A South Brunswick doctor has admitted to accepting bribes in exchange for test referrals as part of a long-running and elaborate scheme.
Anthony DelPiano, 53, participated in the scam that was operated by Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services LLC (BLS) of Parsippany, according to U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman.
DelPiano pleaded guilty to one count of accepting bribes on Feb. 4 in Newark federal court.
Including the Jersey City-based doctor, 24 other doctors and 35 people in total have pleaded guilty in connection with the scheme, which involved millions of dollars in bribes and resulted in more than $100 million in payments to BLS from Medicare and other private insurance companies, Fishman said.
The investigation has recovered more than $10.5 million through forfeiture to date, he said.
According to a press release, DelPiano admitted to taking bribes in exchange for referring patient blood specimens to BLS and was paid approximately $2,300 per month.
His referrals generated at least $1.7 million in lab business for BLS.
As part of the plea deal, DelPiano must forfeit $204,475, which represents the total bribe money he received from BLS.
The bribery count carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12.
Source: gmnews
