An Indian-origin doctor based in the United States has agreed to pay $14 million (trans ₹116 million) to settle allegations of widespread health care fraud involving unnecessary medical procedures and fraudulent billing practices, the US Department of Justice said.
According to a press release released by the US Department of Justice, urologist Jitesh Patel, along with his practice Advanced Urology Inc. and its affiliates reached a settlement to resolve claims brought under the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act.
What are the allegations against Jitesh Patel?
Federal authorities alleged that Dr. Patel and his practice billed government health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid for procedures that were either not medically necessary or, in some cases, not performed at all.
The investigation was prompted by two whistleblower complaints — one filed by a former employee and the other by a former physician associated with the clinic. Both complaints alleged that the organization operated with a focus on maximizing revenue through excessive and unnecessary medical interventions.
According to the allegations, some patients underwent procedures, including the implantation of devices, without adequately evaluating whether such treatments were medically beneficial. In several cases, patients were allegedly subjected to diagnostic tests that were not clinically required, with some procedures involving anesthesia.
Authorities also pointed to the widespread use of ultrasound testing at the clinic. The complaint alleged that nearly every new patient was required to undergo an ultrasound, even though such tests are not standard practice for routine urological examinations. Thousands of these tests were reportedly ordered without medical necessity.
In addition, the whistleblowers alleged that the clinic billed for procedures that were never performed, a serious violation of US health care laws.
The case was investigated by several federal agencies, including the US Attorney’s Office, the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said authorities will continue to crack down on health care fraud.
“Doctors commit fraud when they claim payment for medically unnecessary procedures or invoice for services they never performed,” he said, stressing that misuse of public health care funds and exploitation of patients will not be tolerated.
The case falls under the False Claims Act, a law that allows private individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the government against entities suspected of defrauding federal programs. Individuals who file such cases — known as whistleblowers or relatives — are entitled to a portion of the recovered funds.
In this case, whistleblowers will receive a combined $2.94 million (approx ₹24 million) from the settlement amount.
Authorities clarified that the settlement resolves allegations made in the case and does not constitute a formal admission of liability by Dr. Patel or his practice.
