Heartless Hustle: Westlake Cardiologist Faces $7.2M Fraud Charges

WESTLAKE, OH – Dr. Harold Persaud, 55, is facing a 16-count federal indictment alleging a brazen scheme to bilk Medicare and other insurers out of a staggering $7.2 million. The cardiologist, who operated a private practice at 29099 Health Campus Drive in Westlake, is accused of performing unnecessary and potentially harmful medical procedures, all in the name of padding his own pockets.

The indictment, unsealed today, details a pattern of deceit spanning from February 16, 2006, through June 28, 2012. Persaud, who held hospital privileges at Fairview Hospital, St. John’s Medical Center and Southwest General Hospital, allegedly manipulated billing codes, falsified test results, and pushed patients toward invasive procedures they didn’t need. The charges include one count of health care fraud, 14 counts of making false statements, and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from criminal activity.

According to federal prosecutors, Persaud wasn’t just inflating bills; he was actively fabricating a need for expensive treatments. The indictment specifically alleges that he performed unnecessary nuclear stress tests, falsely reported the severity of blockages during cardiac catheterizations, and even inserted stents into arteries that didn’t require them – or *already* had functioning bypasses. In some instances, he allegedly referred patients for open-heart surgery when no medical necessity existed, creating a lucrative cycle of follow-up testing he could then bill to insurers.

“The charges in this case are deeply troubling,” stated U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach. “Inflating Medicare billings alone would be bad enough. Falsifying cardiac care records, making an unnecessary referral for open heart surgery and performing needless and sometimes invasive heart tests and procedures is inconsistent with not only federal law but a doctor’s basic duty to his patients.” The investigation, a joint effort by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Inspector General, paints a picture of a callous disregard for patient well-being.

“This doctor violated the sacred trust between doctor and patient by ordering unnecessary tests, procedures and surgeries to line his pockets,” added Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony of the FBI’s Cleveland Office. “He ripped off taxpayers and put patients’ lives at risk.” Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the HHS OIG emphasized the ethical obligations of medical providers, stating the alleged conduct demonstrates “a disregard for patient needs in exchange for financial gain.”

The indictment lays out a detailed account of the alleged fraud, outlining how Persaud would select billing codes to maximize profits and fabricate patient records to justify his actions. If convicted, Persaud faces significant prison time and financial penalties. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with our health can be motivated by greed, and that authorities are actively pursuing those who exploit the healthcare system for personal gain.