A federal jury in Miami has convicted Elizabeth Hernandez, a Florida nurse practitioner, on multiple charges related to her pivotal role in a massive scheme that bilked over $200 million from Medicare.
Hernandez, 45, was found guilty after an extensive trial that spanned several days.
False billing uncovered
Hernandez’s conviction hinges on fraudulent billing practices, as revealed by the Department of Justice.
Reports are that she systematically submitted claims to Medicare for orthotic braces and genetic tests that were deemed medically unnecessary.
A disturbing statistic
The Department of Justice disclosed a startling statistic, stating that in the year 2020, Hernandez outstripped all other providers in the nation, including oncologists and geneticists, in ordering cancer genetic tests for Medicare beneficiaries.
The scheme unveiled
According to reports, Hernandez’s involvement in this far-reaching conspiracy was multifaceted. Telemarketing companies, acting as collaborators in the operation, targeted Medicare patients to persuade them to request unnecessary braces and tests.
These companies then dispatched pre-filled orders to Hernandez, who signed them, asserting that she had examined or treated the patients.
In many instances, she had never even spoken to these patients. The DOJ alleges that Hernandez routinely billed Medicare for over 24 hours of purported “office visits” in a single day.
Lavish personal gains
Aside from her active role in the scheme, Hernandez personally profited from the scam, pocketing an astounding $1.6 million in ill-gotten gains. She utilized this money to acquire extravagant cars, and jewelry, embark on home renovation projects, and indulge in luxurious vacations.
Co-conspirator sentenced
One of Hernandez’s co-conspirators, Michael Stein, took a different path and pleaded guilty in April to defrauding the United States by participating in bribery and kickback schemes.
Stein, who ran two companies, 1523 Holdings, and Growthlogix, received a five-year prison sentence in June for orchestrating medically unnecessary genetic tests.
Upcoming sentencing
Hernandez is slated to receive her sentence on December 14th.
She faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison on the top count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, with lesser maximum sentences for health care fraud and making false statements.
