Armando Chavez, a 42 year old Houston doctor, has been sentenced to 70 months in prison for Medicare Fraud. Chavez, the owner of Chavez Medical Group, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and mail fraud. He was sentenced yesterday, 11/16/2011, in Federal Court.

During 2005 and 2007, authorities contend that Chavez billed Medicare and Medicaid around $14 million, much of which was for unneeded treatments or services that were un-grouped, in order to get the most benefit. He was paid around $4 Million.

In addition to pleading guilty without trial, Chavez also voluntarily gave up his license to practice medicine in Texas, which he received over 10 years ago.

In 2005, which is when the fraud is contended to have begun, he began performing laser ablation, which is often used to repair varicose veins. According to US Prosecutors, he often over reported the number of varicose veins repaired in the leg. By un-grouping the treatment codes, he also more than doubled his payments for many types of treatments.

Chavez is currently free, but will need to surrender to authorities shortly to begin his almost 6 year prison sentence.