Indian-Origin Doctor Sentenced to 14 Years for $2.4 Million Healthcare Fraud and Illegal Oxycodone Distribution

An Indian-origin doctor has been sentenced to 168 months in prison for orchestrating extensive healthcare fraud schemes, illegal drug distribution, and money laundering offenses, according to the US Department of Justice.

Neil K Anand, 48, from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, was ordered to pay over USD 2 million in restitution along with more than USD 2 million in forfeiture following his conviction.

In April, Anand was found guilty of conspiring to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare, health plans administered by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem for what were termed 'Goody Bags' - packages of medically unnecessary prescription medications.

These medications were dispensed through in-house pharmacies under Anand's ownership. Medicare, OPM, IBC, and Anthem paid over USD 2.4 million in reimbursements for these unnecessary prescriptions.

To encourage patients to accept these unwanted medication packages, Anand conspired to distribute oxycodone outside normal medical practices without legitimate medical justification. The scheme involved unlicensed medical interns writing prescriptions for controlled substances using blank forms that Anand had pre-signed.

As part of his illegal operation, Anand prescribed 20,850 oxycodone tablets for nine different patients. When he discovered he was under investigation, he attempted to hide approximately USD 1.2 million by transferring the funds to an account in a relative's name that would benefit a minor relative.

Anand's April conviction included charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud, multiple counts of healthcare fraud, money laundering, unlawful monetary transactions, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.