The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) announced that its joint investigation with Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has led to the arrest of Dr. Ishrat Sohail for Medicaid fraud.
During the course of the investigation it was discovered that Dr. Sohail had allegedly been administering Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program vaccines, which are intended for Medicaid and uninsured children, to patients with private insurance.
It was also discovered that Dr. Sohail had allegedly administered partial doses of vaccines to patients while billing insurance the full cost of the vaccines.
Partial doses of vaccine may not provide sufficient protection from potentially dangerous vaccine preventable diseases.
Because of her suspension, Sohail’s patients will need to find a different primary care provider. Officials said approximately 500 children may have been impacted.
FDOH says if your child received vaccinations from Dr. Sohail between 2016 and 2018, you should contact a new pediatrician for re-vaccination.
FDOH does not have enough information about injection safety at Dr. Sohail’s office to address the risk of bloodborne pathogens to your child and recommend you consult with a health care provider and discuss this potential exposure with them.
The Agency for Health Care Administration is trying to contact affected families. Patients will have to find new doctors, and the county health department will help them if necessary, officials said.
Sohail posted bond and was released from jail Friday.
Sad news.