Michael Kestner, the former CEO of Pain MD, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for fraud. Kestner was originally facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years after being convicted on 13 felony counts related to healthcare fraud. The charges stemmed from Pain MD's practice of administering hundreds of thousands of injections to patients, many of which were deemed medically unnecessary.
Prosecutors argued that Kestner and Pain MD profited significantly from these questionable injections, billing insurance companies for services that provided little to no medical benefit. The fraudulent billing practices resulted in substantial financial gains for the company and its executives.
During the sentencing hearing, the judge considered various factors, including Kestner's cooperation with the investigation and his lack of prior criminal record. Ultimately, the judge determined that an 18-month sentence was appropriate, taking into account the severity of the crime and the need to deter similar fraudulent activities in the healthcare industry. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical practices in healthcare and the consequences of prioritizing profit over patient well-being.
Pain Clinic CEO Sentenced to 18 Months for Fraud
Michael Kestner, the former CEO of Pain MD, received an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted of fraud. Kestner faced a potential 20-year sentence, but the judge opted for a shorter term. His company administered a large number of injections that were later deemed medically unnecessary, leading to significant financial gains through fraudulent billing practices. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat healthcare fraud and protect patients from exploitation.
Source: Read the original article at CBS