On April 3, 2023, Daniel J. Castro, MD, pleaded guilty to making a false statement related to healthcare matters in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035. As part of the plea agreement, Dr. Castro agreed that conduct related to certain healthcare fraud schemes set forth in the Indictment against him would constitute relevant conduct for purposes of his sentencing. As alleged in the Indictment, Dr. Castro engaged in a scheme to defraud healthcare benefit programs by performing medically unnecessary sinus surgeries. Additionally, he engaged in a scheme to defraud by billing excisions of single lymph nodes, submandibular glands, and other glands of the neck as if he performed modified radical or selective neck dissections, which are complex and higher-paying procedures for cancer of the head and neck. These schemes to defraud are alleged to have occurred from February 2015 until May 2017 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
Patients who underwent sinus or neck surgery between February 2015 and May 2017 performed by Dr. Castro may qualify as victims of his offense under federal law and may be entitled to certain rights and, potentially, to restitution. To receive victim services and be considered for restitution, those patients must identify themselves to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Grand Rapids, Michigan prior to the sentencing hearing on October 5.
