Former N.J. Neurologist Pleads Guilty to Scam

New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn McKoy announced that a former Essex County neurologist has plead guilty to Health Care Claims Fraud as part of a scheme to fraudulently bill an insurance company more than $50,000 for medical tests that were never performed.

According to Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden Brown, Barry M. Vogel, 61, of Livingston, plead guilty before Union County Superior Court Judge John Malone to a charge of second degree Health Care Claims Fraud. When sentenced on Oct. 15, Vogel faces up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Additionally, Vogel may face civil insurance fraud fines.

Gooden Brown said that Vogel was charged via a State Grand Jury indictment returned on June 12, 2003. In pleading guilty, Vogel, a licensed neurologist, reportedly admitted that he submitted more than $54,000 in fraudulent bills to the Prudential Property & Casualty Insurance Company of New Jersey for diagnostic services never rendered and/or for services that were improperly provided.

An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice – Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined that Vogel submitted the fraudulent health insurance claims for electro-diagnostic tests and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests purportedly performed on patients suffering injuries sustained in automobile accidents.

Additionally, it was determined that Vogel fraudulently submitted the same diagnostic tests for multiple patients. As a result of the investigation, Vogel surrendered his medical license to the Medical Board on July 12, 2000.