Home Fraud Medicare Fraud Force Nets 91 Different Defendants

Medicare Fraud Force Nets 91 Different Defendants

Medicare Fraud Force Nets 91 Different Defendants

 

On October 4, 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice that the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has launched a monumental sweep across seven different cities that has already resulted in 91 individuals being charged for Medicare fraud schemes that equal roughly $429.2 million in false billings.  Those arrested include doctors, nurses, and numerous other licensed medical professionals.  Many of those who were charged and arrested surrendered in the last 24 hours.  
 
A total of 33 defendants were charged in Miami for participating in a fraud scheme that totaled $204.5 million in false billings for home health care, mental health services, and physical therapy, and more.  
 
A total of 16 defendants were charged in Los Angeles for participating in a fraud scheme equaling $53.8 million in false billings.  A majority of the false billings were for ambulance transportation. 
 
A total of 14 defendants were charged in Dallas for a fraud scheme that resulted in $103.3 million in false billings.  The majority of the fraud scheme occurred at Raphem Medical Practice and PTM Healthcare Services.  
 
A total of 7 defendants were charged in Houston for a fraud scheme that amounted to $158 in false billings.  The majority of the false claims were submitted for beneficiaries that never received services from the hospital.  
 
A total of 15 individuals were charged in Brooklyn for a fraud scheme that resulted in $23.2 million in false billings.  The majority of the fraud scheme occurred at Cropsey Medical Care PLLC.  
 
Four other defendants were charged in Baton Rouge, and two defendants were charged in Chicago.  The fraud scheme in Baton Rouge resulted in about $2.4 million in false claims, and the scheme in Chicago made false claims worth millions as well.  
 
Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated, “Today’s coordinated actions represent one of the largest Medicare fraud takedown in Department of Justice history, as measured by the amount of alleged fraudulent billings.  We have made it one of the department’s missions to hold accountable those who abuse the Medicare program for personal profit.”  
 
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation