Vista Eye Doctor Loses License for Six Months

A North County eye doctor had his physician’s license suspended for six months after he admitted incompetence and negligence in treating several patients.

Dr. Bill Gene Bell, 45, of Rancho Santa Fe was suspended effective July 15 by the California Medical Board for allegedly performing unnecessary surgeries, performing surgery without consent, incompetently diagnosing eye disease in five cases and forging a patient signature to cover it up.

“Dr. Bell performed unnecessary eye surgery on elderly, vulnerable women and billed them for services fraudulently, not to augment their eyesight, but augment his bank account,” said Susan Fitzgerald, the deputy attorney general who handled the case on behalf of the board.

Bell also allegedly made several fraudulent billings to Medicare and private insurance firms and abused sedatives from 1986 to 1990.

Bell, who practices in Vista and Imperial County, acknowledged the offenses in a signed settlement with the board.

In addition to the six-month suspension, the settlement included a provision stating that Bell’s license was to be revoked. However, that provision was stayed pending the successful completion of the suspension and 10 years of probation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bell must provide 55 hours per month of free medical service for a charitable agency during the first year of probation. He also must provide eight hours per month of charitable medical service during both the second and third years of probation.

When Bell returns to practice, a special Medical Board-approved physician will monitor any surgery he performs.