A Clovis, Calif., podiatrist and a sales representative pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit healthcare fraud, the Justice Department said Sept. 23.
What happened?
- From June 2021 to January 2024, Felipe Ruiz, DO, of West Coast Podiatry, purchased skin grafts from Jose Aguirre and allowed Mr. Aguirre, who was not a licensed provider, to apply them to Medicare and Medi-Cal patients.
- Dr. Ruiz and Mr. Aguirre then submitted claims falsely stating Dr. Ruiz had performed the procedures.
- The two are scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 20.
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