PR Newswire

December 16, 1988, Friday

PSYCHIATRIST SENTENCED FOR BCBSM CLAIM FRAUD

DETROIT, Dec. 16 /PRN/ — A former Oakland County
psychiatrist has been sentenced to two year’s probation and ordered
to repay Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) $6,000
for filing fradulent health-care claims.
James Tashjian, M.D., 46, was convicted in a jury trial last
month on charges brought in 1983, following a lengthy investigation
by BCBSM, Michigan State Police and the Oakland County prosecutor’s
office.
Also sentenced on Monday was Dr. Tashjian’s billing clerk, Joyce
Thomison. She was given two year’s probation and fined $600 in
court costs.
BCBSM investigators estimate Dr. Tashjian and his billing
clerk were responsible for submitting more than $100,000 in improper
bills for psychiatric services and then splitting the receipts
with others.
CONTACT — Rude Difazio of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Michigan, 313-225-8113