Dr. Rajesh Bindal, an Indian-origin neurosurgeon in Texas, has been hit with a $2 million fine for committing Medicare fraud. The 55-year-old doctor falsely billed Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) for surgeries he never performed. Instead, he used non-invasive procedures, involving electro-acupuncture devices, while claiming to have carried out complex surgeries.
The U.S. Attorney, Alamdar S. Hamdani, announced the penalty, highlighting the serious nature of Bindal's actions. "Neurosurgeons are among the highest-paid specialists in the U.S., and Bindal's fraudulent claims were meant to enrich himself," Hamdani said in a statement. Bindal's scheme lasted from March 16, 2021, to April 22, 2022.
According to the allegations, Bindal submitted false claims for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, a procedure that Medicare reimburses for thousands of dollars. However, neither Bindal nor any of his staff performed these surgeries. Instead, patients received non-surgical treatments at his clinic, a practice far from the expensive surgeries they were billed for.
Patients were given electro-acupuncture devices, which involved inserting monofilament wires into their ears and securing them with adhesive tape. These procedures, which were not performed in a hospital or surgery room, were often conducted by device sales representatives or physician's assistants. Patients later reported that the adhesive used to secure the devices was weak, causing them to fall off within days.
This deceptive practice led to significant financial gains for Bindal, who was allegedly pocketing the funds for surgeries he never performed. Despite being a trained neurosurgeon, Bindal misled patients and insurers into believing that invasive surgeries had taken place.
Hamdani criticized the doctor, stating, "A neurosurgeon like Bindal should know when he is and is not performing surgery." He also emphasized that Bindal, although already one of the highest-paid physician specialists, chose to exploit federal health programs for personal profit.
Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge, also commented on the case, stressing the broader impact of false claims on federal healthcare programs. "False claims come at a cost not only to our federal health care programs but also to the members who rely on these programs for necessary care," he said.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud within the healthcare system, where dishonest medical professionals misuse government programs intended for those in need. Bindal's actions not only violated the trust of his patients but also undermined the integrity of essential healthcare programs that many rely on for their well-being.
This case serves as a warning to others in the healthcare field about the consequences of fraudulent activity and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in medical practices.
