The three men were affiliated with Onward Medical Supply, a Houston-area DME company that fraudulently billed Medicare for DME including power wheelchairs and orthotic devices, beginning in 2003 and continuing until late 2009. Seven others involved with Onward pleaded guilty for their roles, including the clinic’s owner Doris Vinitski, according to the release.
According to evidence presented at the trial, Dr. Grant allowed Onward to use his name and provider number to fraudulently bill for the DME in exchange for $10,000 from the clinic’s owner. Mr. Lee and Mr. Nwankwo acted as delivery drivers for Onward, delivering DME to beneficiaries who had not needed or requested the equipment. Evidence at the trial established both were aware the equipment was being delivered as part of a fraud scheme, according to the release.
The three men are scheduled for sentencing in August.
Read the DOJ release on the Houston-area DME fraud 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.