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Media Advisory: Dec. 11, 2008
Cleveland Chiropractors Subjects of BWC Search Warrant
Mulcahy allegedly continues to practice following decertification, Kavounas billing for services not rendered
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) special investigations department (SID) yesterday
executed a search warrant at the Neck, Back & Body Accident & Injury Therapy Clinic. The clinic is located at 13357
Lorain Road in Cleveland. BWC is investigating Dr. Richard Mulcahy for allegedly treating injured workers although
he was decertified on Nov. 5, 2003 because of a felony conviction. BWC is also investigating Dr. Thomas Kavounas,
for billing for services not rendered.
In 2008, a SID undercover agent received treatment at the clinic from these medical providers. Mulcahy treated the
agent on three occasions. The agent found evidence of billing for services not rendered. BWC executed the search
warrant to secure additional evidence to support the ongoing investigation.
“Medical providers who do not follow the rules or cheat the system not only jeopardize the treatment of injured
workers, they place an unfair burden on the entire system at a time when keeping costs down is especially
critical,” said Tom Wersell, director of the SID. “By investigating suspicious activity, and putting an end to
fraudulent practices, we are protecting the benefits of injured workers’ and keeping employers’ premiums down.”
Since its initiation, BWC’s SID and the Office of the Attorney General of Ohio (AG) have worked closely on this
investigation. When the SID secures the necessary evidence that fraud was committed, it refers cases to the AG for
prosecution.
BWC’s SID is the agency’s law enforcement section. It investigates fraud in Ohio’s workers’ compensation system.
In FY 2007, the SID closed 2,977 investigations and referred 301 people for criminal prosecution, securing 111
indictments.
To report suspected fraud, visit ohiobwc.com, or call 1-800-OHIOBWC.
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Contact: Keary McCarthy
614-644-8944 or 614-312-7272
mccarthy.keary@bwc.state.oh.us
Melissa Vince
614-466-2956 or 614-202-2329
melissa.vince@bwc.state.oh.us
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