NEWARK
– The State Board of Medical Examiners
yesterday revoked the license of a Wildwood-based
physician following an undercover investigation
that found the physician created false patient
diagnoses to prescribe pain killers.
The
Board’s decision to revoke the license
of Dr. John G. Costino, Jr., comes after a
hearing held before an Administrative Law
Judge and mirrors the recommendation of the
judge. Costino also must pay $10,000 in civil
penalties and reimburse the state its investigative
costs. He cannot apply for reinstatement of
his license until five years have passed.
Costino
was found to have created false diagnoses
to justify his prescribing of Percocet to
undercover investigators who posed as patients
during nine office visits in 2007 and for
billing to medical insurance companies. During
their visits, the undercover investigators
told Costino that they were experiencing no
pain but wanted a medication to help them
relax.
“The
Board’s order of revocation is appropriate,
as Dr. Costino is a threat to the health,
safety and welfare of the public,” Attorney
General Anne Milgram said. “Dr. Costino
had no medical justification for writing these
prescriptions but he did so anyway.”
Dr.
Costino created diagnoses of acute sprain
and strain to the thoracic and lumbar spine
without examining these areas when the undercover
investigators came to him.
“Dr.
Costino’s reckless and unprofessional
actions show how the misuse of powerful pain
killers can occur,” said David Szuchman,
Consumer Affairs Director. “His actions
demonstrated a flagrant disregard of Board
rules and regulations and for the safety of
his patients.”
The
Board temporarily suspended Costino’s
license in December 2007 and he has not seen
patients since then.
Deputy
Attorney General David M. Puteska represented
the state in this matter.
Consumers
can submit complaints against physicians through
the Board’s web site at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/bme/bmeform.htm
or by calling the Board directly at 609-826-7100.
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