Orlando PIP Clinic Owner Arrested for Defrauding Insurance Companies of More Than $100,000
ORLANDO, Fla. – June 26, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Florida Division of Insurance Fraud today announced the arrest of Dr. Troy Godsey and Renata Berriel Deazevedo for their roles in a scheme to defraud multiple insurance companies of more than $100,000.
Troy Godsey, a licensed chiropractor, established Spine Health Solutions, P.A. in Orlando under the guise that he was the sole owner of the health care clinic. Because he is licensed as a chiropractor, he was granted an exemption from clinic licensing requirements with the Agency for Health Care Administration. This allowed Godsey and Renata Deazevedo to operate a PIP fraud scheme without alerting health care regulators. While paperwork may have indicated that Godsey ran the clinic, Deazevedo managed the day-to-day activities of the business and Godsey served only as a straw owner.
The clinic allegedly provided medical treatments to people who were injured in car accidents and would bill various insurance companies to receive reimbursements under the “patients’” PIP auto coverage.
In total, three insurance companies were billed nearly $300,000 for the alleged treatment of 20 “patients.” The companies paid out more than $100,000 in fraudulent claims before catching on to the scheme and alerting the Division of Insurance Fraud.
Facing multiple felony charges including the operation of an unlicensed health care clinic and filing false and fraudulent insurance claims, the two face more than 50 years in prison if convicted.
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Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government, reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses, and providing transparency and accountability in spending. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).
Contact: Ashley Carr
(850) 413- 2860
