A central California doctor is facing up to 20 years in prison after he pled guilty to implanting cheap, unapproved birth control devices in unknowing patients from 2008 through 2012.
Dr. Paul S. Singh, an OB-GYN from Tehachapi, California, spent four years purchasing copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) online from overseas vendors. The devices were not approved for use in America, and the FDA had repeatedly warned doctors about the risks of using these devices.
Nevertheless, Dr. Singh purchased the cheaper IUDs online and charged insurance companies and Medicare for the more expensive devices so that he could pocket the difference.
According to the government’s complaint, Dr. Singh’s patients were unaware that he was using the unapproved devices, and many suffered serious complications like pain or reproductive problems. Patients who had problems had their device replaced with a new version of the cheaper product, rather than receiving a legitimate, approved IUD.
The FDA confronted Dr. Singh about the devices in 2010, and he promised to stop using them. However, a later raid by federal agents discovered that Singh had not changed his practices.
Dr. Singh pled guilty to mail fraud on August 24. He will be sentenced in November, and faces a fine up to $250,000 and a prison term of up to 20 years.
It can be difficult, if not impossible, for patients to discover this type of fraud on their own. While the government will usually catch up with these types of physicians, many of Singh’s patients suffered for years without ever receiving a clear answer for their medical problems.
When your health is at stake, always get a second opinion if you think that something is wrong. Even when a doctor is not committing fraud, mistakes can and do happen on a daily basis. Sometimes, a second pair of eyes examining your problem can help you lead a better, pain-free life.
At the Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq., our attorneys take patient safety seriously. If you believe you were injured by the negligence of a doctor or other health care professional, schedule an appointment today. Our knowledgeable and helpful staff of legal and medical professionals will fight to get you the help you deserve after an injury.
To make an appointment, fill out the contact form online or call (310) 289-2600. Don’t wait to fight for your rights after an injury—call today to get the help you need to heal.