SPINE SURGEON UNDER INVESTIGATION DISAPPEARS (Orthopedics This Week)
“Where’s Dr. Durrani?”
Atiq Durrani, M.D., a Pakistani-born spine surgeon who is under investigation for allegedly billing Medicare for three times as many lumbar spine fusions as anyone in Ohio over three years, has disappeared.
According to WXIX-Fox19 News, the Cincinnati area surgeon was arrested in July for allegedly performing unnecessary surgeries and violating federal healthcare fraud statutes. He was ordered to turn in his passport and post bond. In August the surgeon reportedly asked for permission to visit his ailing father in Pakistan. Permission was denied.
On December 15, 2013, WXIX reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Durrani had fled the country, possibly going to Pakistan. They’ve issued a warrant for his arrest but authorities say they may have a tough time bringing him to justice. Violating his bond will likely add criminal sanctions.
Public Squabble
Durrani and Eric “The Bulldog” Deters, an attorney representing a number of former Durrani patients who are suing the surgeon, have launched numerous YouTube videos in taking their cases to the public. So far, in addition to the federal char...
