WESTLAKE, OHIO (WOWO) An Ohio physician has been ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution after pleading guilty to making false statements in connection with a healthcare fraud scheme that resulted in more than $1.8 million in Medicare billings for medically unnecessary equipment and genetic testing. The sentence follows a federal investigation into activities that occurred while the doctor worked as a contractor for a telemedicine company. The Lead Off A Westlake physician was sentenced to five years of probation in a federal healthcare fraud case. The doctor was ordered to pay $997,641 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Investigators found more than $1.8 million in Medicare claims were submitted for medically unnecessary braces and genetic testing. Doctor sentenced in federal fraud case Federal prosecutors said Muna Orra, 42, of Westlake, Ohio, pleaded guilty in January to making false statements related to healthcare matters. According to court records, U.S. District Judge John R. Adams sentenced Orra to five years of probation and ordered her to pay $997,641 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The case stemmed from Orra’s work as an independent contractor for a Georgia-based telemedicine company between 2018 and 2021 according to WCMH. Orders approved without meaningful review According to prosecutors, Orra issued orders for durable medical equipment, primarily braces, and genetic testing for patients who did not medically require those services. Federal investigators said the telemedicine company supplied patient information, including examination notes, treatment recommendations, and pre-prepared written orders for equipment or testing. Authorities said Orra reviewed the files and electronically approved the orders, which were then used by the telemedicine company to support Medicare billing claims. Investigation details billing practices Investigators determined that Orra did not meaningfully review patient records before approving orders and failed to conduct assessments that required in-person examinations. According to federal authorities, despite signing orders indicating those evaluations had been performed, required assessments were not completed. The investigation also found that patient orders were sometimes approved within seconds of Orra opening the files, raising concerns about whether medical necessity had been properly evaluated. More than $1.8 million billed to Medicare Federal prosecutors said Orra caused Medicare to be billed approximately: $93,473 for medically unnecessary genetic testing orders $1,749,051 for medically unnecessary brace orders According to investigators, Medicare ultimately paid: Approximately $64,189 for genetic testing claims Approximately $933,452 for brace-related claims The total amount billed exceeded $1.8 million, while Medicare payments totaled nearly $1 million. Federal agencies led investigation The case was investigated by the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Erica Barnhill prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government. The Takeaway Restitution reflects Medicare losses A federal judge ordered Muna Orra to repay $997,641 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, reflecting losses tied to medically unnecessary services billed through the scheme. Telemedicine contractor role central to case The fraudulent activity occurred while Orra worked as an independent contractor for a Georgia telemedicine company, where she approved equipment and testing orders later used to support Medicare claims. Criminal case reaches sentencing stage With sentencing complete, the criminal proceedings have largely concluded. The restitution order and probation terms will be monitored through the federal court system as Orra serves her five-year probation sentence. The post Ohio Physician Sentenced in $1.8 Million Healthcare Fraud Scheme appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less