- Dr. Sanjeev Kumar charged with 4 federal counts including healthcare fraud
- Allegedly reused single-use devices on 100+ patients since 2019
- Top Medicare biller in TN for hysteroscopy procedures
- FDA regulations violated through improper device reprocessing
Federal prosecutors unveiled shocking details in a Memphis medical malpractice case that's rocking the healthcare industry. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, a 44-year-old gynecologist, stands accused of endangering patients through medically unnecessary procedures performed with improperly sterilized equipment. Court documents reveal Kumar allegedly reused specialized biopsy tools designed for single-patient use, potentially exposing hundreds to infection risks.
Between 2019-2024, Kumar became Tennessee's highest-paid Medicare provider for hysteroscopy services - a specialty representing less than 2% of OB-GYN practitioners nationwide. This financial anomaly first alerted investigators to potential fraud. This wasn't medicine - it was calculated predation,stated Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren during Friday's press conference.
Medical device safety experts explain that reprocessing requires FDA-approved sterilization protocols. Single-use devices have porous materials that trap bio-matter,said Dr. Lisa Nguyen of Vanderbilt Medical Center. Improper cleaning risks transmitting HIV, hepatitis, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.The case echoes a 2022 Alabama incident where reused colonoscopy scopes infected 35 patients with superbugs.
Beyond health risks, Kumar's alleged scheme highlights systemic vulnerabilities. A 2023 AMA study found only 18 states require device reprocessing certification. Healthcare fraud costs taxpayers $68 billion annually, with unnecessary procedures accounting for 37% of cases. The DOJ has prioritized medical fraud prosecutions, with a 22% increase in cases since 2020.
Patients who underwent procedures at Kumar's clinic between September 2019-June 2024 should contact the HHS tip line. While Medicare has frozen payments, victims may pursue compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program - a precedent set in similar device contamination cases.