Hertel & Brown Physical & Aquatic Therapy, known for its large staff and multiple offices throughout the Erie, PA area, was known for something else behind the scenes, according to a federal grand jury, The Erie Times-News reports.
An indictment alleges that Hertel & Brown engaged in “creative billing practices” by submitting at least $22 million in false bills for 14 years, starting shortly after Hertel & Brown opened its first office in Erie in January 2007.
Led by owners and founders Aaron W. Hertel, of North East, and Michael R. Brown, of Millcreek Township, the practice, the indictment alleges, routinely defrauded insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid and others by billing them for services as if they were performed by licensed physical therapists when they were actually performed by unlicensed technicians. Read more.
