FBI sets up email address to help patients impacted by arrest of Perryopolis doctor
The FBI in Pittsburgh set up an email address to help patients impacted by the arrest of a Perryopolis doctor obtain their medical records, while the Department of Health is directing patients toward local resources.
“I think it’s always important that we are working with patients affected by this, especially in getting them the help that they need,” said FBI Pittsburgh public affairs specialist Catherine Varnum Policicchio.
Dr. Emilio Ramon Navarro, 58, of Coal Center, was indicted last week on charges he exchanged pills for sexual favors from a patient. He was also charged with health care fraud. Navarro’s Perryopolis practice was closed following his arrest.
The arrest also prompted the first use of a program to help patients find care or treatment if their office is closed by federal law enforcement. Department of Health employees and drug and alcohol counselors from Fayette and Washington counties met with patients individually to provide information about future medical care, according to U.S. Attorney Scott Brady.
A sign outside Navarro’s office in Perry O Plaza directed patients to resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Fayette County Drug and Alcohol.
“After a medical practice closes, chronic pain patients may feel they have no other options but to turn to other sources to avoid withdrawals,” the sign and flyers said. “We want you to know help is available.”
The arrest also prompted calls from patients asking for copies of their medical records. The local FBI field office set up an email address to help them obtain those medical documents.
“We want to make sure that patients are getting the care that is necessary for them,” Varnum Policicchio said.
Patients from any of Navarro’s medical practices who are trying to retrieve records can email FBI Pittsburgh at PG-HEALTHCARE@fbi.gov. To obtain the records, patients must provide their full name, date of birth, address and phone number. Returning the records will take one week to 10 days. FBI Pittsburgh will call patients to set up a time to obtain a copy of the records. Patients must bring a photo ID to obtain them, according to an FBI press release.
The Department of Health notice at the clinic directed patients to contact their health insurance plans to find a new health care provider or to call 1-866-944-2273 to locate a Federally Qualified Health Care Center. It also provides information on opioid overdoses and naloxone, advising patients to call 1-800-662-4357 or visit ddap.pa.gov to find help for substance abuse disorders. A Fayette County Drug and Alcohol Commission information sheet also directed patients to local resources.
Navarro was held in federal custody following his arrest Sept. 23, until a judge set a $50,000 unsecured bond in his case the next day. He was required to permanently surrender his medical license as a part of his bond conditions.