Closter Doctor Admits to Record $19M Fraud

A cardiologist with offices in New York City and New Jersey carried out what federal authorities say is the largest health care fraud ever recorded by a single practitioner in those states.Federal prosecutors say 68-year-old Jose Katz of Closter, N.J., admitted Wednesday to submitting $19 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers.

Prosecutors say he subjected thousands of patients to unnecessary and potentially life-threatening treatments as a result of phony diagnoses.

He also admitted keeping his wife on his payroll, even though she did little or no work, so she would be eligible for a quarter-million dollars in Social Security.

He pleaded guilty in Newark to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of Social Security fraud. Sentencing was set for July 23.