3 convicted for fraudulently billing over $8 million

This week, three people with Kentucky drug treatment clinics have been convicted of taking part in a conspiracy to defraud taxpayer-funded health programs.

Dr. Jose Alzadon, Michael Bregenzer and Barbie Vanhoose are all facing one charge each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, eight counts each of health care fraud and one charge of conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs.

Court records show that the three were associated with a group of clinics called Kentucky Addiction Centers that offered treatment for substance use disorder using buprenorphine.

That drug, commonly known by the name suboxone, reduces symptoms of withdrawal from opioid drugs, such as heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl but can also be abused.