Fake physical therapy files and cash payments to Medicare patients in exchange for their Medicare numbers bilked the taxpayers out of $18.3 million dollars according to one of the conspirators in the fraud. Jay Jha, a Michigan physical therapist, admitted that he and others “created fictitious therapy files appearing to document physical and occupational therapy services provided to Medicare beneficiaries, when in fact no such services had been provided.” The DoJ announced today that Jha’s direct involvement in the scheme included over 300 fraudulently signed physical therapy files and over a million dollars worth of billing. The prosecution is being spearheaded by the joint Medicare Fraud Strike Force through cooperation of the FBI and HHS-OIG with supervision by DoJ. Jha will be sentencing on Dec. 16, 2009, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

To report Medicare fraud, contact Frohsin & Barger.