A CBS News investigation has identified a Los Angeles County hospice physician whose name appears on Medicare claims totaling $71.7 million across multiple facilities in a single year.

Dr. Rajiv Bhuva was linked to Medicare claims for nearly 2,800 patients across 126 hospices in California during 2024, according to data analyzed by CBS News. The volume represents more than 20 times the number of patients that the average California hospice doctor treats annually.

The investigation examined Medicare billing data and found patterns that raised questions about the scope of one physician's patient load across multiple hospice facilities throughout the state.

The findings emerged as part of a broader CBS News investigation into the hospice industry, which the network described as an area with significant potential for fraudulent billing practices, particularly in California.

CBS News reporters have sought comment from Dr. Bhuva regarding the Medicare claims associated with his name, though the investigation's findings have not resulted in formal charges or regulatory action at this time.

The Medicare claims data represents billing submitted to the federal health insurance program that covers hospice care for eligible patients, typically those with terminal diagnoses and limited life expectancy.