Attorney General Todd Rokita Friday announced a $700,000 settlement on behalf of Hoosiers to address allegations that a Hammond orthopedic surgeon overbilled Indiana’s Medicaid program.
“The purpose of Medicaid is to help patients in need cover health care expenses they otherwise would find difficult to pay,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The program is not intended to serve as a cash cow for providers.”
An investigation by Attorney General Rokita’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit uncovered abnormalities in charges billed to Medicaid by the Southeastern Medical Center (SEMC), operated by Dr. Kishan Chand.
Between Jan. 1, 2016, and June 1, 2021, SEMC submitted approximately 13,101 claims indicating that medical staff performed spinal manipulation on patients who were under anesthesia.
Records, however, showed no associated billing for an anesthesiologist or a hospital or surgical center and that the frequency of billing by SEMC was a substantial outlier across all Medicaid providers — all of which raised the question of whether manipulation under anesthesia had been performed at all.
“Physicians and other providers have an ethical and legal obligation to accurately report medical procedures for which they seek Medicaid reimbursement,” Attorney General Rokita said. “My office will continue to ensure citizens’ tax dollars are protected from fraud and abuse by vigorously pursuing providers who have been unjustly enriched through improper billing.”
The Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a federal grant. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of Indiana.
Article provided by IN Attorney General's Office
Emily Adams named 2026 Lilly Endowment Scholar
New Smart SNAP regulations to begin January 1
Rockville Town Board speaks out about 2025
Ray Allison named next executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission
INvestABLE Indiana announces expanded eligibility criteria beginning January 1
Rockville Parks Board continues working on quality of life improvements
Indiana advances coal ash permitting program
Indiana's state parks offer New Years Day events
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
