A federal jury convicted a New York City physician for billing Medicare and Medicaid for surgical procedures that were not performed.
Harold Bendelstein, MD, 71, billed Medicare and Medicaid for an incision procedure of the external ear for hundreds of patients, but actually performed ear exams or ear wax removal, according to a July 8 U.S. Justice Department news release.
The Justice Department said that between January 2014 and February 2018, Dr. Bendelstein, billed Medicare and Medicaid about $585,000 and was paid about $191,000. Medicare and Medicaid data showed that he was the highest biller for the incision procedure in the state.
Mr. Bendelstein is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 7 and faces up to 15 years in prison.