An orthopedic surgeon was convicted for his role in a $31 million Medicare fraud scheme, the U.S. Justice Department said Jan. 30.
Lawrence Alexander, MD, was convicted of false statements related to healthcare matters, according to a news release. Chiropractor Dean Zusmer was convicted of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, healthcare fraud, conspiracy to pay kickbacks, paying kickbacks and submitting false statements.
Mr. Zusmer owned one of four durable medical equipment companies that billed more than $31 million for medically unnecessary products to Medicare, the Justice Department said. Under the scheme, he and co-conspirators got patient referrals and signed physician orders for braces that weren't needed by paying kickbacks to marketers.
Dr. Alexander owned one of those companies with Mr. Zusmer's co-conspirator, Jeremy Waxman, and concealed their roles in the scheme using a family member's name.
Dr. Alexander and Mr. Zusmer are scheduled for sentencing on April 20. Mr. Waxman was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role.