A Houston-based pain management doctor has agreed to a $2 million settlement over allegations of Medicare neurostimulator fraud. The case highlights deceptive billing practices involving non-surgical procedures misrepresented as complex spinal surgeries, which are central to Medicare neurostimulator fraud issues.

🩺 Summary of Allegations:

• Physician: Dr. Ajay Aggarwal, anesthesiologist and pain specialist
• Practices: Bellaire, Lake Jackson, Van Vleck
• Entities Involved: Ajay Aggarwal (sole proprietorship), PRWCSWTX LLC
• Timeframe: November 2021 – March 2023
• Claim Type: Surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes
• Reality: Electro-acupuncture devices taped behind the ear, no incisions, performed in clinic, which is a form of neurostimulator Medicare fraud.

💬 Federal Response:

“A doctor who uses simple medical devices on his patients, yet bills Medicare for a sophisticated spinal surgery, is bilking the American taxpayer.” — U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei

Multiple federal agencies, including USPS-OIG, DOL-OIG, and DHHS-OIG, collaborated on the investigation. The settlement reinforces the government’s commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded healthcare programs. Such efforts are crucial in combating fraud related to neurostimulators in Medicare. DOJ press release

Procedure Comparison: What Was Billed vs. What Was Done