Rong Zhang, Medicare Fraud, PA 2023

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pittsburgh healthcare worker is facing federal charges after being indicted for a brazen scheme to defraud Medicare, according to Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song. The indictment, handed down on June 7th, alleges a calculated effort to bilk the federal healthcare program for illegitimate services.

Rong Zhang, 55, of Pittsburgh, stands accused of health care fraud. The indictment details how Zhang, along with unnamed co-conspirators, allegedly submitted claims to Medicare for medical services that were never legitimately provided, and were outside the bounds of acceptable medical practice. Prosecutors claim the billing was intentionally fraudulent, designed to enrich those involved at the expense of taxpayers.

Zhang’s role within the scheme involved providing services to patients of a physician identified in court documents only as “B.E.C.” – a common tactic to delay naming potential co-conspirators. She performed tasks including drawing blood, conducting ultrasounds, and administering electrocardiograms. The indictment alleges these procedures were billed to Medicare based on fabricated or falsely diagnosed medical conditions.

If convicted, Zhang faces a stiff penalty. The law dictates a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, alongside a potential fine of $250,000, or both. However, the actual sentence will be determined by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, factoring in the severity of the crime and any prior criminal record the defendant may have.

The investigation, a collaborative effort, involved the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General for Health and Human Services, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cindy Chung and Brendan T. Conway are leading the prosecution of this case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

It is crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Rong Zhang is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This is an ongoing federal investigation, and further details may emerge as the case progresses.

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