A Michigan physician and his practice agreed to pay $2 million to settle false claims allegations over ear-care services provided by physician assistants (PAs) without supervision, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said May 8.[1]
James Aronovitz, D.O., an ear, nose and throat doctor and plastic surgeon, owns Michigan Ear Care PLLC, which shut down Jan. 10, 2024, according to the settlement.[2] But from May 13, 2013, through Aug. 31, 2020, the Department of Justice and state of Michigan alleged that Aronovitz and his practice submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid “under his National Provider Identifier for ear care services provided by physician assistants in nursing facilities and home health settings, without Aronovitz providing the required supervision of the physician assistants.” Half of the settlement amount is restitution, which indicates the physician paid double damages.