FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Sentencing has been postponed for a Seattle doctor accused of turning in phony Medicare claims that included reports of nursing home visits to patients who were dead.
John C. Chen is charged in federal court in North Dakota with six counts, including health care fraud and false statements related to health care. The charges carry a combined maximum penalty of 45 years in prison.
Chen was scheduled for a plea hearing and sentencing Wednesday morning in Fargo. The hearing has been reset to June 30.
The case is being tried in North Dakota because Fargo-based Noridian Healthcare Solutions LLC processes and pays Medicare Part B claims in Washington state.
Authorities say many of Chen’s claims for face-to-face appointments occurred when he was out of the country.
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