Aifeng Su
SANTA CLARA COUNTY — The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of a Los Altos acupuncturist who had been billing insurance companies for treatments never received by patients. The charges stem from falsifying more than 60 treatments charging $12,000.
53-year-old Aifeng Su has been charged with two counts of making false or fraudulent claims for insurance. According to Insurance Fraud Unit Deputy District Attorney Vonda Tracey, “The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 6 years.” Su was arraigned on July 5, 2017, in Department 23, in the Hall of Justice, in San Jose.
Deputy District Attorney Vonda Tracey said: “A patient’s vigilance is a major factor in detecting this type of fraud,” and added, “patients should carefully go over their “Explanation of Benefits” (EOB) sent by his or her insurance company to verify that their insurance is only paying for the treatment received.” Even without fully understanding costs and treatment options, patients can still help protect themselves from fraudulent costs.
According to the SCDA press release, “the California Department of Insurance received a tip in December 2014 that the acupuncturist had billed insurance companies for treatment visits that never happened.” It was during the investigation of a couple’s treatment by Su that showed the fraudulent activity.
“The investigation also revealed that at least one other patient caught Su billing for fictional treatments,” the SCDA report said. “When confronted by his patient, Su returned the payments.”
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Deputy District Attorney Vonda Tracey at (408) 792-2580.
