Crime & Safety
Rice: Oyster Bay Surgeon Faces Double-Dipping Charges
Orthopedic surgeon accused of double-billing insurance companies and making over $37,000.
An Oyster Bay surgeon could spend up to seven years in prison for charging private insurance companies for procedures already paid for by workers' comp, said the Nassau District Attorney.
According to Kathleen Rice, Philip Rafiy, 50, an Oyster Bay orthopedic surgeon, allegedly billed private insurance companies for procedures already covered by the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.
An investigation into Rafiy's actions was prompted by complaints after a municipality noticed his improper billing, reported the DA. The allegations reportedly stem from his work out of Hicksville's LI Spine and Orthopedics, PC, which he owns and operates.
By double-billing, Rafiy reportedly made $37,063, reported the DA.
“Double billing for medical procedures is a crime that drives up healthcare costs for everyone," Rice said. “I will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute any doctor who defrauds the system and betrays patients' trust for personal gain.”
Rafiy is charged with four counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, seven counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree.
Rafiy was released on his own recognizance Friday and is due back in court May 3.
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