QME Accused of Overbilling for Lab Tests

A Southern California pain specialist who is certified as a qualified medical evaluator was charged with two others for allegedly overbilling private health insurers for lab tests, the California Department of Insurance announced Friday. Dr. Edward Albert G. Balbas, chiropractor Jon Brunelle and Alejandra Brunelle surrendered themselves at the Riverside County Court on Friday. They were all released after each posted $382,000 in bail, and ordered to return to court on Oct. 24. The Insurance Department said the alleged co-conspirators developed a scheme to mark up bills for lab test...