A 54-year-old Austin resident has been indicted for healthcare fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, Dr. Michael Hochman is an ophthalmologist who owned and operated Michael A. Hochman PA and Laredo Laser & Surgery Ltd. in Laredo. The charges allege Hochman falsely diagnosed vulnerable patients with ophthalmological diseases and various degenerative eye conditions. Hochman allegedly directed optometry staff to conduct fraudulent, repetitive, and excessive medical procedures on patients to maximize profits. According to the indictment, Hochman caused Medicare and other healthcare benefit programs to remit payment for millions of dollars in proceeds into various corporate and personal bank accounts. The false and fraudulent claims Hochman allegedly submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare totaled $402,536,174. As a result of the false and fraudulent claims, Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare paid approximately $13,317,914, according to the charges. The indictment also alleges Hochman used the proceeds of the fraud scheme to purchase a private airplane, luxury vehicles, high-end antiques, collectible coins and other luxury items.
