Calif. Chiropractor, Associates Nabbed in $10M Workers’ Comp Scam

A Modesto, Calif. chiropractor and two employees were arrested on charges that they repeatedly billed for services that were unnecessary or never rendered from 1996 through 2004, potentially costing insurers more than $10 million.

Chiropractor Wilmer Dorado Origel, of Modesto, is the owner and operator of the businesses involved in the alleged fraud. His associates, Rebecca Marie Benedict and Robin Elaine Barney were also taken into custody. All three were charged with multiple felony counts, including insurance fraud, grand theft and practicing medicine without certification.

Investigators believe that Origel conspired with his associates to illegally over-bill workers’ compensation and auto insurance carriers for services never rendered, services not medically necessary, and for services beyond the scope of their licensed authority to perform. Origel owned and controlled Med-1 Medical Center P.C., and Unique Healthcare Management Inc., both based in Modesto.

Med-1 Medical Center has had clinics located at various times in Modesto, Stockton, Sacramento and Turlock. Unique Healthcare Management Inc. is a medical billing company which performed the billing and other accounting services for Med-1 Medical Center and various other medical provider businesses that are believed associated with Origel. Unique Healthcare Management Inc. is believed to have been solely owned and operated by Origel and managed with the assistance of administrator Robin Barney and accounting manager Rebecca Benedict.

Significant assistance has reportedly been given to police authorities by investigators with St. Paul Traveler’s Insurance, State Compensation Insurance Fund, Progressive Insurance Co., State Farm Insurance Co., Zenith Insurance Co. and Republic Indemnity Insurance Co. The National Insurance Crime Bureau also provided assistance with the investigation.

Topics California Workers' Compensation