Bribes-For-Test-Referrals Scheme Draws Prison Time For N.Y. Doctor
Meanwhile, a Maryland physician pleads guilty to health care fraud after he fled to Panama amid charges that he overprescribed painkillers, and two former employees of CareFlight are alleging in a federal whistle-blower suit that the nonprofit air and ground medical service provider improperly billed the federal government.
The Associated Press:
Doctor Gets Prison Term For Taking Bribes From Lab Company
A New York doctor is headed to prison for his role in a long-running bribes-for-test referrals scheme involving a New Jersey lab company. Federal prosecutors in New Jersey say Bret Ostrager received a 37-month sentence Wednesday. He also must forfeit $101,271. The 51-year-old Woodbury, New York resident had medical practices in Nassau County. He pleaded guilty last December to three counts in an indictment charging him with conspiracy and other counts. (6/8)
The Associated Press:
Doc Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud In Federal Drug Case
A Maryland physician who fled to Panama amid allegations he overprescribed addictive painkillers pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge of health care fraud. Nicola Tauraso, 81, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. He faces up to 10 years in prison at his sentencing Aug. 8. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss 23 other counts, including narcotics conspiracy, in the plea deal. (6/8)
The Dallas Morning News:
Ex-CareFlite Employees Sue Company, Alleges It Overbilled Medicare For Ambulance Trips
Two former employees are suing CareFlite, a nonprofit air and ground medical service provider, accusing the company of health care fraud for charging the government for services that were “not medically necessary.” (Krause, 6/8)
