Physician Settles $14M Fraud Case After Whistleblower Lawsuits

Two former employees alleged unnecessary procedures and fraudulent billing practices at Atlanta urology practice.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a medical device or piece of medical equipment, such as a syringe or surgical instrument, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually illustrates the allegations of fraudulent medical billing practices.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the tools of alleged healthcare fraud, exposing the human cost of unnecessary medical procedures.Atlanta Today

Dr. Jitesh Patel and his practice, Advanced Urology, Inc., have agreed to pay $14 million to settle allegations of fraudulent billing and medically unnecessary procedures involving federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The settlement resolves two whistleblower lawsuits filed by a former employee and a former physician, who alleged systemic practices aimed at maximizing revenue through unnecessary tests and procedures.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of whistleblower protections and the government's efforts to crack down on healthcare fraud, which can drive up costs for taxpayers and patients. It also raises concerns about the integrity of medical billing practices and the need for stronger oversight to ensure patients receive appropriate, medically necessary care.

The details

The whistleblowers alleged that the practice implanted permanent Sacral Nerve Stimulator devices without confirming patient benefit, performed unnecessary cystoscopy and retrograde pyelogram procedures requiring anesthesia, and routinely conducted electromyography tests on new patients despite their limited relevance in urology. They also cited thousands of unnecessary ultrasound orders. Additionally, the practice was accused of billing for procedures that were not performed, while carrying out less complex treatments but seeking higher reimbursements from government programs.

  • The alleged conduct occurred over an unspecified period of time prior to the settlement.
  • The whistleblower lawsuits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

The players

Dr. Jitesh Patel

A physician who owned and operated Advanced Urology, Inc., the practice at the center of the fraud allegations.

Advanced Urology, Inc.

A urology practice in Atlanta, Georgia, that was accused of fraudulent billing and medically unnecessary procedures.

Former employee

A whistleblower who filed a lawsuit alleging systemic practices aimed at maximizing revenue through unnecessary tests and procedures.

Former physician

A whistleblower who filed a lawsuit alleging systemic practices aimed at maximizing revenue through unnecessary tests and procedures.

Theodore S. Hertzberg

The U.S. Attorney who stated that physicians commit fraud when they seek payment for medically unnecessary procedures or bill for services they never performed.

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What they’re saying

“Physicians commit fraud when they seek payment for medically unnecessary procedures or bill for services they never performed.”

— Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The settlement resolves the allegations, but there has been no determination of liability. It remains to be seen if any further legal action or regulatory oversight will result from this case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of whistleblower protections and the government's efforts to combat healthcare fraud, which can have significant financial and ethical implications for patients, taxpayers, and the medical system as a whole. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to ensure the integrity of medical billing practices.