LOS ANGELES, California — A Huntington Park medical practice and its physician have agreed to pay over $6.73 million to resolve allegations of submitting false claims for unnecessary procedures on Medicare beneficiaries.
The United States alleged that from 2016 to 2024, Dr. Feliciano Serrano, of Serrano Kidney & Vascular Access Center, performed unnecessary dialysis access interventions on 18 patients, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. These procedures, including angioplasty and stent placements, were conducted routinely without waiting for complications to arise. One patient reportedly received 42 stents between 2016 and 2023, even when informed that dialysis was not needed.
Additionally, from 2019 to 2024, Dr. Serrano allegedly performed unnecessary peripheral artery disease interventions on 17 patients, treating mild or nonexistent stenosis, the release stated. Despite patients complaining of pain in only one leg, procedures were performed on both legs, with repeated interventions every few months. Dr. Serrano allegedly warned patients of potential amputations, despite minimal risk…