Surgeon Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charge

A local surgeon avoids a federal fraud charges by pleading guilty.

Dr. Gope Hotchandani has pleaded guilty to 1 cfederal ount of health care fraud.

He’d been accused of 87 counts.

Prosecutors claim Dr. Hotchandani had been trying to rip off Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by filing billing claims that overstated the services he actually provided.

The fraud is said to have happened between February 2003 and April 2004, bringing in more than $750,000.

Hotchandani is the medical director of laser and vein centers in Marquette and Iron Mountain.

He also runs similar clinics in Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Hotchandani is free on bond until his sentencing in February.

He could receive up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.