Healthcare Fraud Lawyer Blog
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) announced new suspensions twice in October. It suspended eight medical providers from participating in the state’s workers’ compensation system in early October and then three more shortly after. The total suspensions for 2017 are now up to 49.
These suspensions are part of the DWC’s new policy passed into law in 2016 by Assembly Bill 1244. The new law, which went into effect on January 1, requires the DWC to suspend any medical provider that is convicted of any offense involving abuse or fraud of the federal Medicare program, the state Medi-Cal program, any workers’ compensation system, or a patient. Medical providers can also be suspended for other types of misconduct that led to their license being revoked or surrendered.
The Suspended Medical Providers
The 11 newly suspended medical providers are:
- Abraham Khorshad, an investor in a medical provider business. He pleaded guilty to medical insurance fraud in May 2016.
- Joseff Sales, a physical therapist who was convicted of paying illegal kickbacks. He pleaded guilty in November 2015 and surrendered his license.
- Danniel Goyena, a physical therapist who was also convicted of paying illegal kickbacks with Sales.
- Edgar Pogosian, was convicted of conspiring to commit money laundering and for money laundering in February 2016.
- Timothy Martin, an osteopathic physician and surgeon who had his license revoked in June 2015.
- Alex Abbassi, surrendered his physician and surgeon’s certificate in August 2015.
- Nicole Hlava, surrendered her medical license in August 2016.
- Maher Abadi, surrendered his medical license in May 2016.
- Samuel H. Albert, a psychiatrist convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Albert pleaded guilty in June 2016.
- Barry Julian Broomberg, a physician and practice owner convicted of visa fraud. Broomberg pleaded guilty in September 2013 and surrendered his license in September 2014.
- Robert E. Brizendine, a psychologist who surrendered his license in March 2014.
Do You Have Information About Health Care Fraud?
Health care fraud against federal and state programs like Medicare, Med-Cal, and workers’ comp is rampant in California and across the U.S. If you have information that your employer, physician, or another medical provider is falsely billing a care program, paying or receiving illegal kickbacks or participating in other illegal behavior, contact an experienced health care fraud attorney from Brod Law Firm today.
You may have information that is essential to federal or state authorities. In some circumstances, you may be able to file a qui tam suit under the federal or state False Claims Act on behalf of the government. If you choose to file a qui tam suit, you become what is known as the relator. If the government receives a financial settlement or award based on your information and suit, you will receive part of this compensation.
To learn more about your rights and legal options when you have knowledge of health care fraud, call Brod Law Firm at (800) 427-7020 to schedule a free consultation.
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