California Clinic Accused in $34M Medicare Fraud Probe
A Pasadena-based wound care clinic, Expert Wound Care PC, is under federal investigation for allegedly defrauding Medicare of $34 million by billing for skin graft procedures that were never performed. Prosecutors say the clinic's billing rates far exceeded national averages, with nearly all its revenue tied to high-cost skin substitute grafts. Authorities have seized over $2 million linked to the clinic as the probe continues. The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in Medicare oversight, especially in high-reimbursement service areas.
- ▪Expert Wound Care PC allegedly received $34 million in Medicare payments for skin graft services never provided to patients between late 2025 and early 2026.
- ▪The clinic’s billing for skin substitute grafts was up to nine times higher than the national average, with 38.5% of its patients receiving such grafts compared to a 6% national rate.
- ▪One Medicare beneficiary was allegedly tied to over $6 million in billed services despite not receiving the treatments.
- ▪Federal authorities, including CMS and Homeland Security, are investigating the clinic, and more than $2 million has been seized.
- ▪Medicare spending on skin substitute grafts has surged from hundreds of millions in 2019 to over $10 billion by 2024, raising fraud concerns.
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By Suzanne BlakeReporter, Consumer & Social TrendsShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Federal authorities are investigating a Pasadena‑based wound care clinic accused of exploiting Medicare through what prosecutors allege is a multimillion‑dollar billing scheme involving skin grafts that were never provided.According to court filings unsealed this week, the clinic, operating as Expert Wound Care PC and also known as St. Victoria Home Care, received more than $34 million in Medicare reimbursements for skin graft and wound‑care services allegedly billed to dozens of patients from late 2025 to early 2026.
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