Doctor gets prison time for fraud
McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A federal judge has sentenced a South Texas cardiologist to more than four years in prison for Medicare and Medicaid fraud.
Some of the allegations against Dr. Fabian Aurignac include billing for services at his office while he was traveling in Argentina.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane of McAllen sentenced Aurignac to 57 months in prison followed by three years supervised release Thursday. The doctor had been detained since December.
Aurignac allegedly staffed his Cardiology Care Center in McAllen with foreign, unlicensed doctors and fraudulently billed the government programs for millions of dollars. Much of the office's work was done without supervision by Aurignac or any other licensed physician.
In May, Aurignac pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud in exchange for the dropping of 11 other counts. He agreed to forfeit more than $1.1 million.
