A former Battle Creek, Mich., physician agreed to pay $705,075 to settle controlled substance allegations, the Justice Department announced Aug. 28.
What happened?
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- Shekhar Thakur, MD, was accused of prescribing opioids and other controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of practice.
- The government alleged Dr. Thakur routinely prescribed Schedule II opioids without verifying patients’ conditions through exams, records or testing and prescribed dangerous combinations of opioids and benzodiazepine.
- He also allegedly issued prescriptions despite signs of abuse or diversion, such as failed drug screens showing illicit use or non-use of prescribed medications.
- Dr. Thakur agreed to the settlement in…