U.S. Attorney's Office authorities say a northeastern Ohio cardiologist has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for overbilling nearly $29 million after performing unnecessary medical procedures.
Dr. Harold Persaud, of Westlake, had been convicted earlier this year of healthcare fraud.
Officials say the 56-year-old defrauded and obtained money from Medicare and other insurers between 2006 and 2012. They say he performed unnecessary catheterizations, stent insertions and also caused unnecessary coronary artery bypass surgeries.
Court records show that of the $29 million in overbilling, Medicare and other insurers paid out $5.7 million.
A restitution hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27.
A phone number for Persaud or an attorney could not be found.
