Edmonton doctor sentenced to 4 years in jail for fraud
A doctor based in the Alberta capital is headed to prison for fraudulently billing Alberta Health Services more than $800,000.
Dr. Yifei Shi, 35, was charged last year in what police described as an "ongoing billing scheme" dating back to 2013.
The physician pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 and on Thursday was sentenced to four years in prison.
An agreed statement of facts obtained by CTV News Edmonton states that Shi billed for "psychiatric counselling on almost every patient that she saw" but often didn't provide those services.
Shi was initially accused of fraudulently billing the province up to $4.1 million in fees for service, but pleaded guilty only to overcharging by $827,077 in 2016.
Her total billings that year were $1,388,862. The court document states the average for general practitioners in Alberta in 2016 was $306,332.
Court of King's Bench Justice Paul Belzil also ordered Shi to pay back $827,077 in restitution, according to a story by CBC Edmonton.
Before being charged, Shi practiced family and cosmetic medicine at the Commerce Park Medical Clinic on 100 Avenue and 166 Street.
The doctor sent a letter to her patients last week advising them she was closing her west Edmonton practice because she couldn't find anyone to take over.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.