Dallas, Texas – Two North Texas doctors, Desi Barroga and Deno Barroga, face serious charges for their involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme amounting to approximately $12 million. Their arrest last week brings to light a significant case of deception within the healthcare system.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, the Barrogas operated a pain management clinic in Dallas where they engaged in deceptive practices. Patients at this clinic were prescribed strong pain medications such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine. However, the fraud extended beyond these prescriptions.
Court documents reveal that during monthly visits, patients were involved in a scheme to submit fraudulent claims to insurance companies. These claims falsely indicated that the patients received dozens of corticosteroid injections. In reality, as outlined in a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, “The doctors would place a needle on the patient’s body without actually piercing the skin to mimic an injection. If patients actually received any injections they would generally receive only a small amount.”
In some instances, the Barrogas went as far as to tell insurance companies they had provided over 80 injections to a single patient on one date. These false claims led to the doctors being paid approximately $12 million for services that were either not provided or grossly exaggerated.
The charges against the Barrogas are serious. They include conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, five counts of healthcare fraud, and one count each of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. The gravity of these charges is reflected in the potential penalties. If convicted, the doctors could face up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of healthcare fraud and up to 20 years for the distribution of a controlled substance.
