Fugitive spine surgeon Atiq Durrani, MD, who fled to Pakistan amid allegations of insurance fraud and performing unnecessary surgery, testified yesterday via video during his trial, according to a WLWT report.
Dr. Durrani practiced in the greater Cincinnati area, but fled the country in 2014 after being arrested on charges of insurance fraud and performing unnecessary procedures. Dr. Durrani performed surgery using a product called PureGen outside of approved clinical use; he had ownership in the company.
Around 500 patients filed a suit against him for poor outcomes, and he is indicted on 46 charges associated with clinical and billing issues. He allegedly fraudulently charged Medicare for millions of dollars worth of procedures.
The trial initially began without him, but he appeared for a video deposition. Dr. Durrani now lives in Pakistan and works for Doctors Hospital there as a spine surgeon, according to the report.
During his deposition, he discussed a specific case where the patient alleged Dr. Durrani talked her into surgery that was unnecessary. Dr. Durrani maintained he recommended surgery and discussed the potential risks for undergoing as well as not undergoing the procedure so the patient understood her options. He considered the procedure elective.
The case is expected to close July 2.