February 25, 2025 – Washington, DC – A New York doctor has been convicted of orchestrating a $24 million Medicare fraud scheme, involving unnecessary laboratory tests and medical equipment.
A federal jury found Alexander Baldonado, M.D., of Queens, guilty of multiple fraud-related charges. He accepted cash kickbacks and bribes in exchange for ordering costly cancer genetic tests and orthotic braces. These items were later billed to Medicare by associated labs and suppliers.
How the Scheme Operated
According to court documents, Baldonado exploited COVID-19 testing events in 2020. He ordered hundreds of unnecessary genetic tests for Medicare patients at assisted living facilities and retirement centers. However, he never examined or spoke to many of these individuals before authorizing the tests. Medicare Fraud Scheme
Additionally, he falsified medical records, billing Medicare for lengthy office visits he never conducted. Several Medicare patients later testified that they had never met or heard of Baldonado.
Illegal Kickbacks and Bribes
Beyond lab tests, Baldonado also accepted cash bribes from a medical equipment supplier. In return, he signed off on prescriptions for unnecessary orthotic braces. Undercover footage presented at trial showed him receiving large sums of cash in exchange for these fraudulent orders.
Financial Impact and Conviction
Baldonado’s fraudulent activities resulted in over $24 million in Medicare claims. Medicare ultimately paid more than $2.1 million to the involved labs and suppliers.
The jury convicted Baldonado on 10 counts, including:
- Conspiracy to commit health care fraud
- Health care fraud (six counts)
- Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and engage in kickbacks (two counts)
- Soliciting health care kickbacks
Following his conviction, Baldonado was taken into custody. His sentencing is scheduled for June 26, where he faces up to 10 years in prison per fraud-related count and up to 5 years per conspiracy charge.
Government Response
“Baldonado prioritized personal profit over patient care, exploiting Medicare for millions,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of HHS-OIG. “We remain committed to holding corrupt medical professionals accountable.”
The FBI and HHS-OIG led the investigation. Assistant Chief Rebecca Yuan and Trial Attorney Hyungjoo Han are prosecuting the case.
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🔗 Source: U.S. Department of Justice
