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A recent case in New Jersey highlights the critical importance of patient education and credential verification in healthcare. A husband and wife team, posing as medical professionals, operated an unauthorized practice out of their home, leading to sexual assaults and improper medical treatments. This incident showcases the need for increased vigilance in verifying healthcare providers’ credentials and educating patients on how to protect themselves from medical fraud.
Key Points:
- Orger Sibaja-Bolanos, 67, and Rosa Perez, 64, were arrested for operating a fraudulent medical practice from their Old Bridge, NJ home.
- Sibaja-Bolanos, posing as a doctor, administered anti-inflammatory injections and sexually assaulted two patients.
- The fake doctor received a 10-year prison sentence, while his wife was sentenced to three years of probation.
- Medical experts recommend patients verify physicians’ credentials through state licensure websites.
- Red flags for fraudulent practices may include home-based offices without proper authorization.
- Patients are advised to seek word-of-mouth referrals and check online reviews before choosing a healthcare provider.
- State licensure websites can provide information on a physician’s qualifications and any past disciplinary actions.
“The best way to verify the qualification of a physician is to check your state’s Department of Professional Regulation website. Although every state has a different website, [people] have a way of checking that their state has approved and given a valid medical license to each professional.”
– Dr. Tiffany S. Di Pietro, Cardiologist and Internal Medicine Physician and Chair for the Board of Osteopathic Medicine (FL)
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