Two North Texas doctors, Desi Barroga and Deno Barroga, have been charged with healthcare fraud after allegedly receiving approximately $12 million for fraudulent services. The doctors were arrested last week and now face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, the Barrogas operated a pain management clinic in Dallas. Patients who visited the clinic received prescriptions for hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine. However, investigations revealed that the doctors manipulated the treatment process to deceive insurance companies and illegally obtain financial gain.
During monthly visits, patients were instructed to submit insurance claims for multiple corticosteroid injections. However, instead of administering the injections, the doctors would simulate the process by placing a needle on the patient’s body without actually piercing the skin. In instances where injections were given, they were minimal in quantity, inconsistent with the number of claims made to insurance companies.
Court documents further indicate that the doctors exaggerated the number of injections given to patients. They would falsely report providing over 80 injections to a single patient on a given date, leading to inflated billing and financial payouts from health care benefit programs.
If convicted, Desi and Deno Barroga could face significant penalties, including up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of healthcare fraud and up to 20 years for the distribution of a controlled substance.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance in healthcare systems to prevent fraudulent activities. It serves as a reminder that medical professionals must uphold ethical standards and prioritize patient care rather than succumbing to greed and fraudulent behaviors.
FAQs:
1. What were the charges against the doctors?
The doctors, Desi Barroga and Deno Barroga, were charged with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.
2. What was their alleged fraudulent activity?
The doctors operated a pain management clinic where patients received prescriptions for hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine. They manipulated the treatment process by falsely reporting multiple corticosteroid injections to insurance companies, leading to inflated billing and financial gain.
3. What penalties could they face if convicted?
The doctors could face up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of healthcare fraud and up to 20 years for the distribution of a controlled substance.