CA physician admits to false billing for motorized wheelchairs
Compliance Monitor, June 30, 2004
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CMS reported months ago that fraudulent billing for motorized wheelchairs was prevalent and would be watched. This month, a San Diego physician was caught in the act.
Romulo Valdez, MD, pleaded guilty June 22 in federal court to conspiring to defraud Medicare and Medi-Cal of more than $725,000.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego, Valdez admitted he conspired with a medical equipment supplier to defraud Medicare and Medi-Cal by submitting false claims for motorized wheelchairs.
He allegedly submitted claims for the products which were not needed by beneficiaries, knowing that the supplier would use his false certifications to bill Medicare and Medi-Cal.
Valdez's sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2204. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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