A federal jury on April 15 convicted a physician for his participation in conspiracies to commit healthcare fraud, wire fraud and unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
Neil Anand, MD, of Bensalem, Pa., conspired to submit false claims to Medicare and commercial health plans in exchange for so-called “Goody Bags” of medically unnecessary prescription medications, according to an April 16 news release from the Department of Justice. These medications were dispensed to patients by in-house pharmacies owned by Dr. Anand.
Dr. Anand and his co-conspirators required patients to take the Goody Bags, despite a lack of medical necessity or want, in order to receive prescriptions for controlled substances. Medicare, health plans provided by the Office of Personnel Management, Independence Blue Cross and Anthem collectively paid over $2.3 million for the Goody Bags.
Dr. Anand also conspired to distribute oxycodone outside of typical professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. Unlicensed medical interns wrote prescriptions for controlled substances using blank prescriptions that were pre-signed by Dr. Anand. He also prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets for nine different patients as a part of the scheme.
After realizing he was under investigation, Dr. Anand concealed the proceeds of the fraud by transferring approximately $1.2 million to an account in the name of his father and for the benefit of his daughter, a minor.
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