Healthcare Scam and Free Cosmetic Surgery in America

Healthcare Scam and Free Cosmetic Surgery in America

Former administrative head of a surgical center, Linda Morrow, admitted to healthcare fraud, receiving $44 million for cosmetic procedures billed as "medically necessary."

Morrow, who aided in billing insurance companies for cosmetic procedures deemed "medically necessary," was the former administrative director of a surgical center owned by her doctor husband, Bilk.

On Friday, February 4, 2022, Morrow pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud. After fleeing the country following the indictment, Morrow was apprehended in Israel and faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Her husband, Dr. David Morrow, is a physician with a 20-year career.

$65 Million in Invoices

The former managing director of the Morrow Institute clinic accepted a healthcare fraud scheme on Friday in the U.S. District Court, admitting to billing insurance companies between $25 million to $65 million solely for cosmetic procedures from 2007 to 2011. A sentence of up to 20 years in prison was handed down.

Patients were promised free liposuction, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and vaginal rejuvenation if they assisted in manipulating documents by signing "testimonial" letters or false statements.

Abdominoplasties were listed in documents as hernia repair or abdominal reconstruction. Rhinoplasty was recorded as correcting a deviated septum.

They claimed breast aesthetic procedures as correcting "tuberous breast deformities."

Prosecutors stated that Linda Morrow admitted to coaching employees to create fake documents. According to court documents, other records were altered to conceal the true purpose of the surgeries.

Cash payments were even made to some patients as an incentive, while others were not required to make high joint insurance payments.

License Revoked

After admitting guilt and fleeing the country with her husband in 2017, 77-year-old David Morrow is serving a 20-year prison sentence. His plastic surgeon license has been revoked.