Fla. Acupuncturist, Two Patients Charged With Fraud

A Jacksonville acupuncturist and two of his patients are facing fraud charges after an investigation by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud and the National Insurance Crime Bureau uncovered a fraudulent billing scheme that stuck at least seven insurance companies for more than $100,000.

Dr. Jia Qi Wu, 71, of Jacksonville; Frank Wodrazka, 60, of Weston; and Runsong Jiang, 34, of Orlando, allegedly participated in a scheme that included pre-billing, billing for services not rendered and over-billing. Wu, who operates Dr. Wu Acupuncture Center at 3948 Sunbeam Road, Suite 4, Jacksonville, is charged with insurance fraud, organized fraud and two counts of money laundering. Wodrazka is charged with money laundering, and Jiang is charged with organized fraud and insurance fraud. The charges are being prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

Following up on a tip, an undercover detective contacted an employee concerning the fraudulent billing and she offered to give the undercover officer half of whatever she received from the insurance company in order to keep him quiet. The employee paid the undercover officer $333 as his share in the proceeds from the insurance carrier. Jiang allegedly was paid more than $12,000.

Insurance companies billed in the scheme were Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Response Insurance, AETNA Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CIGNA) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Inc.