Dr. Gautam Arora, Unlawful Prescription of Controlled Substances, New York 2023
BUFFALO, N.Y. - In a shocking turn of events, a former Amherst pain doctor has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for his involvement in a massive opioid prescription scheme.
According to officials, Dr. Gautam Arora, 43, formerly of Buffalo, NY, was found guilty of unlawfully acquiring controlled prescriptions by misrepresentation and fraud, and scheming to defraud a health care benefit program. The charges were related to his work as a pain management doctor at the Hens Pain Center in Amherst, NY.
Between April 2013 and May 2017, Arora prescribed opioids to multiple patients outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. The opioids included hydrocodone, oxycodone, dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, and carisoprodol. Arora wrote approximately 61 prescriptions for controlled substances to individuals who were either not his patients, or without first conducting a proper examination, verifying their medical condition, and assessing the risk of abuse by the individual patient.
In addition to the opioid prescriptions, Arora was also found to have fraudulently billed Medicare for patient office visits totaling $92,209.50. He requested and received payment for medical services he did not perform or did not perform to the extent represented.
“History has taught us that inappropriate prescribing practices by some healthcare professionals were a significant contributing factor to the opioid epidemic which continues to ravage this country,” stated U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy. “This defendant, and others like him, put profits before the well-being of his patients. In the process, he also defrauded a federal health care program designed to help, not harm, those who receive Medicare benefits.”
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia.
“This case highlights the importance of holding healthcare professionals accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who abuse their position for personal gain are brought to justice.”
Arora's sentencing serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of engaging in such illicit activities. As the opioid epidemic continues to plague the nation, it is essential that those responsible for perpetuating it are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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