AUSTIN, Texas — A 54-year-old doctor from Austin, Texas, Dr. Michael Hochman, has been indicted for health care fraud and money laundering, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Hochman made his initial appearance in court and is set for arraignment on Oct. 12 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos.
A federal grand jury returned the five-count indictment on Sept. 27. Court documents reveal that Hochman, an ophthalmologist who owned and operated Michael A. Hochman P.A. and Laredo Laser & Surgery Ltd. in Laredo, allegedly falsely diagnosed vulnerable patients with ophthalmological diseases and degenerative eye conditions.
The indictment alleges that Hochman directed optometry staff to conduct fraudulent, repetitive and excessive medical procedures on patients to maximize profits. Hochman allegedly caused Medicare and other health care benefit programs to remit payment for millions of dollars in proceeds into various corporate and personal bank accounts.
Hochman’s alleged fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare totaled $402,536,174. As a result, Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare paid approximately $13,317,914, according to the charges.
Source: Austin doctor indicted for health care fraud and money laundering / MyTexasDaily.com