Texas Cardiologist Charged in $89M Healthcare Fraud Scheme

Texas cardiologist charged with healthcare fraud and conspiracy over $89M in false claims.

Dr. Jason Finkelstein, a Texas cardiologist aged 53, has been charged with healthcare fraud and conspiracy related to an $89 million scheme involving unnecessary cardiovascular screenings. The allegations cover activities from 2019 through 2023 at a Florida-based cardiovascular testing practice focused on college student-athletes.

The practice used deceptive marketing, promoting “free” heart screenings but billing insurers for medically unnecessary procedures. The Department of Justice press release details that Finkelstein reportedly approved 63 test images in just 11 seconds. This rapid review allegedly contributed to missing an enlarged heart condition in a teenage basketball player who subsequently died during an athletic event.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid programs, highlighted significant gaps in medical oversight of these screenings. According to DOJ officials, the case is part of a larger crackdown on healthcare fraud targeting false claims submitted to government and private insurers.

Since 2022, the DOJ has charged 455 individuals in healthcare fraud schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald noted these cases represent not only financial theft but also a breach of patient safety and trust.

For legal and compliance professionals, this case highlights the urgent need for rigorous audit controls and strict adherence to federal billing regulations to mitigate fraud risks and liability exposure.