Investigators raid W-B chiropractor’s office

Published: 2009-03-26 10:26:37
Author: Bob Kalinowski, Citizens Voice, October 18, 2008

WILKES-BARRE — Authorities raided a city chiropractor’s office Friday to seize records amid allegations he fraudulently billed patients and insurance companies for made-up visits and treatment — even on days his office was closed.

Armed with search warrants, investigators collected patient files, sign-in sheets and computers from Spiccioli Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center on North Sherman Street after an employee blew the whistle on his alleged scheme, according to authorities.

Dr. Michael Spiccioli, 39, is accused of defrauding “at least” 12 insurance companies and 20 patients, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in the case.

Investigators from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Task Force have been on the case since Sept. 19, when attorney Mark Bufalino, who represents the whistle-blowing employee, brought the alleged fraud to their attention, according to the search warrant.

After looking into the case, authorities determined the fraud was “going on for a while,” said Myles Walsh, director of the task force.

The allegations against Spiccioli include: billing patients for times they did not visit the office, billing insurance companies for canceled appointments when his business had no authority to do so, billing patients and insurance companies for treatment never provided and even billing them on days his office was closed.

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