Myrl Jeffcoat myrlj@jps.net

18 mars, 2005 20:27

PRIMETIME: SURGERY SCAM: 3/18/04

The FBI calls it one of the biggest medical insurance scams in history, saying thousands of people from across the country have been enticed into having often unnecessary medical procedures with the promise of quick cash or free cosmetic surgery. In an exclusive "Primetime Thursday" hidden camera investigation, John Quiñones reports that recruiters are bringing would-be patients to southern California, where they are paid to undergo surgeries they don't need. Quiñones finds out, first-hand, how easy it is to take part in this alleged scheme as he comes within minutes of going under the knife himself. "Primetime Thursday" airs MARCH 18 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. FBI investigators tell Quiñones that recent immigrants are typically approached to participate in this scam, which has succeeded in attracting people from 48 states to California clinics. In return for cash payments or free cosmetic surgery, they undergo procedures, such as colonoscopies or surgery for excessive sweating, that are covered by their insurance but which they do not need. Insurance companies are then billed unusually large amounts for these services. The FBI says this illegal practice is costing insurance companies up to half a billion dollars.

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