The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Dr. Kenneth Fishberger, an internist based in Long Island, New York, for allegedly engaging in a kickback scheme that involved ordering medically unnecessary brain scans. This scheme reportedly took place over several years, from 2013 to 2019, and involved collaboration with a mobile medical diagnostics company that conducted transcranial doppler (TCD) scans.
According to information from the Justice Department, Dr. Fishberger and his alleged co-conspirators used false diagnoses to justify the unnecessary scans. These scans were then fraudulently billed to Medicare and private insurers, generating unlawful profits from the false claims. In return for his participation in this fraudulent activity, Dr. Fishberger is accused of receiving kickbacks from the company conducting the scans.
The legal implications of these charges are significant, as they highlight ongoing issues within the healthcare system related to fraudulent billing and illegal kickback arrangements. This case serves as a reminder to healthcare providers and legal professionals of the serious consequences associated with fraud against federal healthcare programs and private insurers.
The Department of Justice continues to actively pursue such cases to uphold the integrity of the healthcare system and protect it from fraudulent activities. For further details, the original report on this case was published by Bloomberg Law.