Passaic Doc Had 150K Procedures Performed By Unlicensed, Unqualified People: US Attorney

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A doctor with offices in Paterson and Passaic Tuesday admitted having unlicensed and unqualified personnel perform more than 150,000 physical therapy sessions, bilking $3 million out of Medicare and insurance companies, authorities announced.

Anthony J. Enrico, 60, of North Haledon, pleaded guilty to health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Kevin McNulty in Newark federal court, acting U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick announced.

Enrico, of North Haledon, admitted that he directed people who lacked the necessary training and certifications perform more than 150,000 physical therapy services on patients, and billed Medicare and other insurance providers for them, Fitzpatrick announced.

In order of the service to be reimbursable, Medicare and insurance providers require that physical therapy services be performed only by people like Enrico who met certain training and certification criteria.

Enrico faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $6 million fine. As part of his plea agreement, he must also pay restitution of $3 million.

Enrico is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 25.

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