Dr. Mona Ghosh, a 52-year-old obstetrician-gynecologist from Inverness, Illinois, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on June 9, 2025, for orchestrating a large-scale health care fraud scheme. Operating Progressive Women’s Healthcare in suburban Chicago, Ghosh pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid, Tricare, and private insurers for unnecessary or unperformed procedures between 2018 and 2022. The scheme included falsifying patient records and performing some procedures without patient consent, putting health and fertility at risk. In addition to imprisonment, she was ordered to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution to affected insurers.
Dr. Mona Ghosh, who ran Progressive Women’s Healthcare, systematically submitted fraudulent claims totaling millions of dollars to government and private health care programs. Investigations revealed that from 2018 through 2022, she billed Medicaid, Tricare, and multiple private insurers for medical procedures that were either unnecessary or never performed. This deception was enabled through the alteration of patient medical records and fabrication of documentation to support the false claims.
Authorities also uncovered that Dr. Ghosh conducted certain invasive procedures without obtaining proper informed consent from her patients. These actions not only violated medical ethics but also jeopardized patient health and fertility. Several patients reported complications and distress resulting from these unauthorized treatments, underscoring the severity of the misconduct.
Extent of the Fraud Scheme
The fraud scheme involved a wide range of procedures, including diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, and other gynecological interventions. Evidence presented at sentencing detailed how Dr. Ghosh manipulated billing codes to maximize reimbursement, often billing for higher-cost services than those actually provided. The total fraudulent claims amounted to several million dollars, contributing to increased costs for taxpayers and private insurers alike.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following a thorough federal investigation, Dr. Ghosh pleaded guilty to multiple counts of health care fraud. The court sentenced her to 10 years in federal prison, reflecting the gravity of her offenses and the breach of trust imposed on her patients and the health care system. In addition to incarceration, she was ordered to pay approximately $1.5 million in restitution to Medicaid, Tricare, and the involved private insurance companies, aimed at recouping losses from the fraudulent claims.
Impact on Patients and Community
The community and patients of Progressive Women’s Healthcare expressed shock and dismay upon learning of the scheme. Medical experts emphasized the potential long-term impacts on patients who underwent unnecessary or unauthorized procedures, including physical health complications and emotional trauma. Authorities encouraged any patients who suspect they were affected to come forward for support and follow-up care.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in detecting and preventing health care fraud, especially in specialized medical practices. Health care providers and insurers continue to implement stricter oversight and auditing processes to protect patients and ensure ethical medical practices.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Dr. Mona Ghosh marks a significant legal response to a serious breach of medical ethics and federal law. Her actions, spanning several years, not only defrauded government and private insurers of millions of dollars but also compromised patient safety and trust. The 10-year prison term and substantial restitution ordered by the court underscore the consequences of health care fraud and unauthorized medical procedures. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant oversight in the health care system to safeguard patients and uphold the integrity of medical practice. Authorities continue to encourage affected patients to seek assistance, while industry stakeholders work toward improved fraud detection and prevention measures.