Michigan Pain Management Clinic to Pay $6.5 Million Accord to Settle False Claims Act Allegations

Dr. Rajendra Bothra, an interventional pain management specialist in Michigan, along with his medical entities, The Pain Center USA, PLLC, and Interventional Pain Center, PLLC, have reached a settlement with the federal government to pay $6.5 million to resolve claims related to violations of the federal False Claims Act without admitting any liability.

Brown, LLC represented one of the whistleblowers, also known as relators, in this case. Jason T. Brown, head of the whistleblower law firm, provided the following statement:

“We are pleased that our client came forward to expose this alleged healthcare fraud, and we commend the government’s commitment to holding those who violate the False Claims Act accountable. This settlement represents an important step in ensuring the integrity of our healthcare system and protecting taxpayers’ resources.”

The civil settlement resolves claims made in two separate lawsuits filed by whistleblowers under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. As part of the settlement, the whistleblowers will receive a combined whistleblower award in excess of one million dollars.

The settlement stems from allegations that, between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, Dr. Bothra and his medical entities billed Medicare and Medicaid for urine drug tests that were excessive and medically unnecessary, as well as additional laboratory charges not separately billable with the urine drug tests. Additionally, they were accused of billing for medically unnecessary opioids in conjunction with pain management. The government also alleged that the defendants frequently charged for expensive back braces that were either medically unnecessary or ineligible for reimbursement.

This case highlights the government’s commitment to combatting healthcare fraud and the effectiveness of the False Claims Act as a tool. Medicaid fraud information about potential Medicare fraud or Medicaid fraud, are encouraged speak with a whistleblower law firm like Brown, LLC to understand their rights.