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BWC investigates Scioto & Huron County
physician for fraud
The following is a statement from Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
(BWC) CEO/Administrator Stephen Buehrer regarding legal action taken
today at the Portsmouth (Scioto County) and Plymouth (Huron County)
offices of Dr. James E. Lundeen Sr.
“Today, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, with assistance from
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and
local law enforcement, executed search warrants on the Portsmouth and
Plymouth offices of Dr. James E. Lundeen Sr. The search is part of an
ongoing investigation into workers’ compensation fraud by Dr. Lundeen,
who provides medical services to injured workers. In addition, we
believe this issue could extend beyond fraud to include prescription
drug abuse.
Governor John Kasich has declared war on the epidemic of prescription
drug abuse in Ohio and charged state agencies with using every tool at
their disposal to help victims and fight those who abuse the law. To
that end, BWC has been reviewing data regarding the use of prescription
pain medicine in treatment for injured workers. Today’s actions are
part of our efforts to ensure Ohio’s injured workers are getting only
the highest level of care so they can return to living healthy and
productive lives.
Ohio BWC spends more than $50 million in prescription narcotics each
year. While these prescriptions can be a valid part of treatment, the
inappropriate use of pain medicines in treating injured workers hurts
the worker and constitutes fraud against the taxpayers and businesses
of Ohio. I hope today’s actions put those who would take
advantage of Ohio’s injured workers on notice that it is something we
absolutely will not tolerate.”
Because of the ongoing investigations, Buehrer declined to provide
additional information into the specific of this case or the specific
tactics being used by BWC in identifying fraudulent activity.
Buehrer also thanked the following agencies for their assistance:
• Attorney General Mike DeWine and his office,
particularly the Bureau of Criminal Investigation;
• The Ohio State Highway Patrol;
• The Portsmouth Police Department and the Plymouth
Police Department, which is assisting with the warrant there;
• The Ohio State Medical Board and Pharmacy Board;
• Medicaid;
• Taxation;
• The Ohio Department of Insurance;
• Ohio Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services;
• The U.S. Attorney General;
• The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration;
• The prosecutors and sheriff’s departments in Scioto
and Huron Counties.
To report suspected workers’ compensation fraud, visit ohiobwc.com, or call
1-800-OHIOBWC.
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