Texas doctor convicted in $325 million health care fraud scheme

A federal jury found a South Texas doctor guilty for a scheme in which he falsely diagnosed patients with lifelong diseases. The doctor from Mission was convicted in January of numerous counts including health care fraud. The case was investigated by The Rio Grande Valley Health Care Fraud Task Force, which includes the OIG, FBI and Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The U.S. Department of Justice prosecuted the case in front of a federal judge.

The doctor was accused of falsely diagnosing patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which is an incurable disease. Evidence presented at trial showed that patients received chemotherapy injections and other unnecessary medical procedures. Some patients were as young as 13. The doctor operated medical practices throughout South Texas and San Antonio. A judge will sentence the provider in late March. You can read more about the case on the U.S. Department of Justice website.