Physical therapist wanted in yet another Medicare fraud totaling $2.8M
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG), is seeking information on the whereabouts of Conrado Dizon Lopez Jr., a licensed physical therapist and former owner of Total Rehab in Brooklyn, New York, who is wanted in connection with a multimillion-dollar health care fraud case.
According to the HHS Office of Inspector General, Lopez is wanted on charges including health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, false claims, false statements related to health care matters, and falsification of records. Authorities believe he may be in Manila, Philippines, or the United Arab Emirates.
Lopez, born on January 18, 1975, is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing approximately 155 pounds.
Federal investigators allege that Lopez played a significant role in a scheme that defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid programs over a period spanning from March 2009 through November 2011. During that time, Total Rehab allegedly submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims totaling approximately $18.4 million.
According to the OIG, Lopez admitted to investigators that he knowingly participated in the fraud. He confessed that Total Rehab billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that were never provided, not medically necessary, not properly supervised, or performed by unlicensed individuals.
Investigators also said Lopez acknowledged signing backdated treatment records, known as superbills, after returning from vacations outside the United States. Despite being out of the country when the services were supposedly rendered, he allegedly signed documents indicating that he had provided or supervised the care.
Authorities said Lopez was identified as the rendering provider on fraudulent reimbursement claims totaling approximately $2.8 million submitted to Medicare and Medicaid.
Health care fraud remains a priority for federal law enforcement because it diverts taxpayer funds intended for legitimate patient care and undermines confidence in public health programs. The HHS Office of Inspector General works with federal and state agencies to investigate fraud involving Medicare and Medicaid providers and to pursue those who evade prosecution.
The HHS OIG is asking anyone with information about Lopez’s whereabouts to come forward. Tips may be submitted through the agency’s fugitive reporting system or by calling the HHS OIG Fugitive Hotline at (888) 476-4453.
Authorities emphasize that anyone with credible information that could assist in locating Lopez is encouraged to contact investigators. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and guilt must be established through the judicial process. — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General
