Doctor Who Performed Unnecessary Procedures Wants New Trial

COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) – A Kentucky doctor convicted of performing unnecessary heart procedures on dozens of patients is asking for a new trial.

The Daily Independent (http://bit.ly/2gBg4Ju ) reports Ashland cardiologist Dr. Richard E. Paulus says substantial legal errors were committed in his trial, including the jury being given incorrect instructions. Paulus was convicted Oct. 27 on charges of health care fraud and making false statements relating to health care matters.

In court documents, Paulus also accused prosecutors of using misleading evidence, including a settlement with the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure.

Paulus was accused of performing numerous medically unnecessary heart procedures over a five-year period and falsifying records in order to bill Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers.

Paulus, who faces 25 years in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25.

___

Information from: The Independent, http://www.dailyindependent.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.