Joel Durinka, Medicare Fraud, New York 2025

BUFFALO, NY — In a shocking revelation, Dr. Joel Durinka, a 40-year-old medical doctor from Orchard Park, NY, has been charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and false statements relating to health care matters in connection with a telehealth/durable medical equipment (“DME”) scheme.

The indictment alleges that Durinka billed Medicare for audio-only telehealth visits that were either brief or did not occur at all. He allegedly billed Medicare approximately $5.6 million for these fraudulent telehealth visits and approximately $29.6 million for fraudulent DME orders. The government has seized $325,683.07 in money from Durinka.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan Glaberson and David M. Coriell.

As part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, a total of 324 defendants have been charged in connection with over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud. The takedown involved federal and state law enforcement agencies across the country and represents an unprecedented effort to combat health care fraud schemes that exploit patients and taxpayers.

The Justice Department announced the results of its 2025 takedown, which resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals, in 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General’s Offices across the United States.

The government seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets as part of the coordinated enforcement efforts.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers.” U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo added, “Fraud, waste and abuse targeting Medicare impacts all taxpayers who fund the program. This office will not hesitate to pursue those who defraud government programs funded by taxpayer dollars.”

Related Federal Cases