Cardiologist Awaiting Sentencing In Record $19 Million Fraud

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A cardiologist with offices in New York City and New Jersey faces up to 10 years in prison for taking part in a scheme that subjected thousands of patients to unnecessary tests and treatment and resulted in $19 million in bogus bills.

Federal prosecutors say Jose Katz of Closter, N.J., is scheduled to appear Wednesday in federal court in Newark. The 69-year-old physician pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and an unrelated count of Social Security fraud for giving his wife a longtime no-show job, making her eligible for Social Security.

Authorities have said it appears to be the largest case of health care fraud ever committed by a practitioner in either state.

Besides prison time, Katz will also have to pay restitution.

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