Two clinic owner-operators and a physician in Texas were found guilty of participating in a $17 million Medicare fraud scheme, according to the Department of Justice.
A federal jury convicted John P. Ramirez, MD, and clinic operators Ann Nwoko Shepherd and Yvette Nwoko of one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, in addition to other charges.
According to the allegations, Ms. Shepherd owned and operated a medical clinic in Houston doing business as Amex Medical Clinic. From December 2011 to August 2015, Ms. Shepherd sold medical orders and other documents signed by Dr. Ramirez to home health agencies in and near Houston, according to the Justice Department. Dr. Ramirez allegedly falsely certified medical orders with information about patients' conditions and medical needs. Ms. Nwoko joined the scheme later as manager of Amex Medical Clinic.
The false and fraudulent paperwork was then used by co-conspirators at the home health agencies to bill Medicare. In total, the co-conspirators fraudulently billed Medicare about $17 million, according to the evidence.
Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.
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