A Miami physician pleaded guilty for participating in a $4.8 million Medicare false claims and kickback scheme in federal court July 11.
Roberto Fernandez, MD, pleaded guilty to receiving kickbacks for referring Medicare beneficiaries to pharmacy owners and prescribing expensive brand drugs, such as antipsychotics and HIV/AIDS medications, when not medically necessary. He also admitted to prescribing medically unnecessary controlled substances like opioids to patients and patient recruiters for a $100 to $200 kickback per prescription. Those prescriptions were written from some patients Dr. Fernandez did not examine.
Dr. Fernandez also solicited Medicare beneficiary referrals to his practice from co-conspirators and submitted claims under his Part B provider number for services he did not provide to Medicare members. In addition, he pleaded guilty to receiving kickbacks for prescribing home health services.
Dr. Fernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 20.