Lombard dermatologist convicted of Medicare fraud

A Lombard dermatologist has been found guilty of defrauding Medicare and private health insurers of $2.6 million by submitting false claims for more than 800 patients.

Dr. Robert Kolbusz was convicted Monday on wire fraud and mail fraud charges by a U.S. District Court jury.

Prosecutors say Kolbusz falsely diagnosed patients with actinic keratosis, or sun-induced skin lesions that can potentially become cancerous. He then billed public and private health insurers for treatments that were ineffective and falsely documented.

A patient testified she believed her freckles were being lightened. Kolbusz claimed he had destroyed approximately 491 pre-cancerous lesions.

Kolbusz remains free on bond pending his Feb. 13, sentencing by U.S. District Judge John Z. Lee. Kolbusz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.