California Navy physician pleads guilty to $2M kickback scheme 

Michael Villarroel, MD, a U.S. Navy physician, pleaded guilty to a scheme where he defrauded the Navy by faking or exaggerating injuries to get reimbursements intended to help service members recovering from traumatic injuries, the U.S. Justice Department said March 28. 

Advertisement

According to the report, Dr. Villarroel acknowledged he knew the claims were fake but signed off for a share of the insurance payments. 

From 2012 to at least December 2015, Dr. Villarroel admitted he conspired to commit wire fraud. He claimed to have reviewed medical records and verified disabilities consistent with the injuries for the claims to be processed, often falsely stating he interviewed the claimant. 

Scheme participants received roughly $2 million from the Traumatic Servicemembers Group Life Insurance program. Dr. Villarroel received more than $180,000 in kickbacks. 

Villarroel is the 10th defendant to plead guilty to crimes under the scheme.

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 5 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC News

Advertisement

Comments are closed.