State places psychologist Edward Pflaumer on probation for fraudulent acts

September 29, 2011

On January 13, 2011, the California Board of Psychology revoked the license of psychologist Edward B. Pflaumer on Board charges of gross negligence, repeated negligent acts and dishonesty, among other things. The revocation was stayed and he was placed on probation for five years.

According to the Board’s Order, in November 2003, Pflaumer provided a mental health evaluation to a developmentally disabled woman. Pflaumer determined the woman suffered from mild mental retardation. After the evaluation, the patient advised her conservator (her sister) that she did not want to see Pflaumer anymore. However, sometime thereafter, the conservator discovered on the patient’s Explanation of Benefits that Pflaumer had continued to bill the state for therapy visits for the patient. He re-paid that money to the state after being contacted by the Medicare Fraud Control Unit.

However, from June 2006 to June of 2007, Pflaumer or Pflaumer’s office manager sent one of their psychological assistants to deliver therapy to the patient and billed Medicare for the visits.

These therapy visits were done in absence of authorization by the conservator, were for services that were not covered for individuals diagnosed as mentally retarded.

Among other things, Pflaumer also failed to indicate the patient’s mental retardation diagnosis on the Medicare claim form.

Source: Stipulated Settlement and Disciplinary Order in the Matter of the Accusation Against Edward B. Pflaumer, Ph.D., Psychologist Certificate No. 10385, Case No. 1F-2007-185521, OAH No. 2010071393, California Board of Psychology.