NYC Indian Doctor Rajendra Bhayani Settles Adult Homes Healthcare Kickback and Fraudulent Billing Allegations for 1.1 Million
January 21, 2020 - NYC Indian Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist) Dr. Rajendra Bhayani has agreed to pay the U.S. $1,109,000 to resolve civil allegations involving adult homes healthcare program services.
Dr. Rajendra Bhayani and his medical practice New York Otolaryngology & Aesthetic Surgery, P.C. in Brooklyn and Queens allegedly paid kickbacks and submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for services provided to residents in adult homes in violation of the False Claims Act.
According to the FBI investigation:
...from 2012 through 2016, Bhayani allegedly paid cash tips, excessive rent and other improper remuneration to medical management companies in adult homes in the Eastern District of New York to obtain exclusive access to bill for allergy testing and other medical services to residents in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Bhayani then obtained payment for these services from Medicare and the Federal Employees’ Health Benefits Program, although the services were actually performed by his nurse practitioner, and some of the services performed were medically unnecessary.In addition to 1.1 million civil settlement, Dr. Rajendra Bhayani entered into an Integrity Agreement with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
The Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG among other things, requires compliance training that specifically addresses the Anti-Kickback Statute and a quarterly claims review to be conducted by an independent review organization.
The fraudulent billing claims resolved by Dr. Rajendra Bhayani through the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.