A New York doctor has admitted guilt in a federal court in Boston for receiving kickbacks related to ordering unnecessary medical procedures. Dr. Vishnudat Seodat, 75, from Mattituck, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The sentencing is set for March 11, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton.
Dr. Seodat practiced as an internist on Long Island and held a medical license in New York for about 36 years. From June 2013 through June 2019, he conspired with others, including a principal from a mobile medical diagnostics company, to order transcranial doppler (TCD) scans that were medically unnecessary. These brain scans measure blood flow in the brain and were ordered using false diagnoses. A co-conspirator submitted claims for these tests to Medicare and private insurance companies on behalf of the diagnostic company.
In return for his participation in this scheme, Dr. Seodat received cash kickbacks of approximately $100 per test. This fraudulent activity led to bills totaling around $1 million being sent to Medicare and private insurers.
The charge against Dr. Seodat carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy along with several officials: Roberto Coviello from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; Jodi Cohen from the FBI's Boston Division; Jonathan Wlodyka from the IRS Criminal Investigation Division; Carol S. Hamilton from the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration; Ketty Larco-Ward from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and Christopher Algieri from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard Locker and Mackenzie Queenin are handling the prosecution.