Chicago dermatologist convicted of Medicare fraud

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CHICAGO (AP) – A suburban Chicago dermatologist has been found guilty of defrauding Medicare and private health insurers of $2.6 million by submitting false claims for more than 800 patients.

Dr. Robert Kolbusz  was convicted Monday on wire fraud and mail fraud charges by a U.S. District Court jury.

Prosecutors say Kolbusz falsely diagnosed patients with actinic keratosis, or sun-induced skin lesions that can potentially become cancerous. He then billed public and private health insurers for treatments that were ineffective and falsely documented.

A patient testified she believed her freckles were being lightened. Kolbusz claimed he had destroyed approximately 491 pre-cancerous lesions.

Kolbusz remains free on bond pending his Feb. 13, sentencing by U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee. Kolbusz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

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