Clinic Owner and Associates Charged in Insurance Fraud Scheme

The owner of a physical therapy clinic in Miami-Dade county, along with five others, faces felony charges in connection with a staged crash insurance fraud scheme uncovered through an undercover operation. Authorities allege that the clinic owner, along with a physical therapist and other accomplices, orchestrated fake car accidents to fraudulently bill insurance companies.

Investigators from the Florida Bureau of Insurance Fraud revealed that the accused parties staged a car crash on September 28, 2023, and then falsely billed Nationwide Insurance for fake physical therapy treatments. The clinic provided fraudulent medical paperwork and therapy forms to claim over $37,000 in insurance payments for non-existent treatments.

The main suspects are charged with solicitation of false insurance claims, organized scheme to defraud, and grand theft. Additional charges include patient brokering and money laundering. Bonds for the suspects were set at $5,000 to $13,500.

The investigation involved confidential witnesses and was conducted by state authorities. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat insurance fraud in Florida.