Peter
Lira, CEO of Am-Pro Prosthetics and Orthotics in Whittier, was arrested on
three felony counts of insurance fraud in Los Angeles County Superior Court for
allegedly billing Anthem Blue Cross for a $170,000 prosthetic arm for a Los
Angeles County Public Defender who died of cancer after Mr. Lira was
notified the patient had died. Mr. Lira was released on bond pending trial on
these charges.
Mr. Lira is presumed innocent unless and until he is proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. These are only charges at this time.
The
Department of Insurance alleges that detectives found evidence that Mr. Lira
allegedly submitted fraudulent invoices and forged the deceased patient's
signature on the delivery receipt to collect payment for manufacturing a
prosthetic arm even though the patient has died. The Department of
Insurance also alleges that Mr. Lira is believed to have changed the
circumstances under which the arm was needed, claiming the man was still alive
and needed the limb because of an industrial accident.
Suspecting
fraud, Anthem referred the claim to the Department of Insurance for
investigation. This case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District
Attorney's Office. Mr. Lira faces a maximum exposure of five years in prison,
if convicted on all counts.
Attorney
Commentary:
There are times where billing for medical equipment could occur if a patient
has died between the time of the order and delivery. In addition, there are
times when billing mistakes occur. Statistically, that is the case.
In
this matter, the Prosecution needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr.
Lira personally had “intent” to defraud. This is why there are allegations that
the deceased patient’s signature was “forged” and that the “reason” the arm was
needed was changed.
Posted by Tracy Green, Esq.
Green and Associates, Attorneys at Law
Office: 213-233-2260