Question

On August 24, 2011, Khachatryan Yervand was indicted on charges of healthcare fraud and money laundering. Investigators believe that Yervand billed Medicare over $4.3 million for durable medical equipment that was either medically unnecessary or was never provided. Yervand owned Midvalley Medical Supply (Midvalley), a durable medical equipment company located in Van Nuys, California. Investigators believe that Yervand and his co-conspirator, former Midvalley owner George Hakopian, submitted false and fraudulent claims for motorized wheelchairs and orthotics that were not medically necessary and often never provided to the beneficiaries. Yervand and Hakopian also submitted claims for beneficiaries who were deceased. According to the indictment, from approximately April 2009 until October 2009, Midvalley billed Medicare approximately $4,392,312 and Medicare paid Midvalley approximately $847,178. On October 14, 2011, Hakopian pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud and was later sentenced to 2 years in prison and ordered to pay $913,215 in restitution. Authorities believe that Yervand, also known as Arthur Yervand, fled the United States in October 2009. He remains a fugitive at-large.

1. What was significant about the fraud and abuse issue(s) you learned about?
2. What attempts were made, or could be made, to stop the fraud or abuse?
3. What was the role of the Office of the Inspector General in addressing fraud or abuse in the case(s) you watched?

Answer 1

1) case was about healthcare fraud and most significant thing about case was that there was trust of the healthcare on company but the company broke that trust. While in the end whole money was returned but that was not enough to build their trust .

2) following attempts should be made to stop fraud

Should have experienced consultant team

Should contact medico legal officer

Don't trust, should check the things or equipment manually

Check review or information about supplier company

Should sign a contract or deal

Should have strong commitment of the company

3) role of inspector general was very crucial, because he had power to find or arrest the accused. Yervund who fled USA, only inspector can search the accused in this case. And can file a case against him.