Encinitas Doctor Arrested For Prescription Fraud

A four-month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and state medical board ended in the arrest of a San Diego heart doctor.

[fine]

Maybe he was in pain.

[RichMac]

So whats the problem? Is there a limit on how many pills a doctor can have?

[ChristianLynchMo b]

There goes the dogooders. Is this really what we need to be investigating?? It's obviously a medical problem, not a criminal problem. And yet people feel safer if we avoid prosecuting real criminals and arresting Doctors. The FDA is a joke. If you think the FDA has your safety and not the profits of the pharmaceuticals in mind then you are insane.

[CDR NC USN]

This is one of the most skilled, compassionate, caring physicians I have worked with. Please, at this time let's look at all the good he has done, patients he has saved, and clinical competence. He has accomplished much and I am proud to have served with him in the Navy. There is a reason behind this event - let us look at it as health care professionals and help him at this time. He is one of the best cardiologists I have encountered in my 35 years of being an RN. We worked together, a long time ago, in the ICU of a Naval Hospital. No matter when, he was always there when I needed him for a patient in critical care. My thoughts and support are with him. Whatever support I can provide - I'm here....bob

[Jay]

Should have gone for the old Percocet's instead. Norco is like kicked up advil. Was he reselling or consuming them? Some people take 2-3 every 3-4 hours of the day. This doesn't seem excessive.

[Janet]

Give me a break. Doesn't matter how great this doctor was, what he did was clearly illegal. You can't prescrive 1000s of pain pills to yourself and your wife each month. Either he is a HUGE addict OR he is selling them illegally. I hope he is prosecuted to the fullest extent -- just like any other criminal. Doctors should not get any special treatment.

[Denise]

Dr. Hill - Thank you for all your help over the last few years. The time you spent with me, your approach to my medical concerns, reminding me to "accept" my situation, calming my fears, etc. has helped me in more ways than you can ever imagine. You're in my thoughts and prayers.....
Where do I go from here???

[Sandy]

I must echo those who are so grateful for the compassionate care I have received over the years from Dr. Hill. He never failed to give quality time to his patients and I am bereft over this situation. All I can say is, there must be a good reason why this has happened. I'm behind you all the way, Dr. Hill

[paul felenczak]

Two Viodin will knock you for a loop for about 10 hours. At 1000 per month that's 35 per day. He had to be selling them. If he was taking them he'd be dead. Drug dealing is drug dealing whether they're illegal or prescription, whether you're a doctor or a gangbanger. Just like Officer Hubka, his past service is NOT what's in question here, only his criminal behavior.

[Sara]

I hope Dr. Hill gets what he deserves. He seriously misdiagnosed a heart condition, which has caused much pain and $. I think it is time to seek the help of a medical malpractice attorney. So sad and too bad...

[Kristyn]

I agree with CDR NC USN, Dr Hill is a wonderful physician. I know that he's saved my life a number of times - and I hope he'll return to practice so I'll be able to continue being his patient. I also know that he was in extreme pain from an injury. I also DOUBT VERY MUCH that he was selling drugs because 1. he didn't need the money or 2. that's just not the type of person he was. We all make mistakes and most are given the opportunity to correct them. Since he's in a residential treatment program, hopefully this will help his case. I for one will stand behind Dr. Hill any day!

[thinker]

i don't know the doctor but it sounds as if he was in pain and slowly increased his meds to get through the day. The comment that he must be dealing drugs is not necessarily true. A co-worker of mine was addicted and took approximately 40 on work days and 80 viodin on days off. no one ever found out until she decided to go to rehab. it blew my mind since i respond to viodin like the poster who gets looped for 10 hours. if he is a talented dr, i hope he gets a second chance.

[Cynthia]

I agree with those who have commented on Dr. Hill's compassion, caring and skill. He has treated my mother's very complicated medical conditions for the last 5 years and I believe he was instrumental in her survival. I too hope that he will be able to practice medicine again. My prayers are with him.

[associate]

Dr. Hill's medical problems and care for his patients have nothing to do with this. When he received his license to prescribe narcotics, he was obligated to use it responsibly and within the limits of the law. Regardless if he was taking them, selling or stocking up, he knowingly committed fraud and for that he will lose his license to practice medicine. His compassion for his patients and keeping his reputation did not outweigh his addiction.

[Postal]

We know a couple of addicts too.
the post below is about a couple from Downey both heavily addicted to Vicodin.
the guy is addicted to Vicodin AND Flexeral.
Both intense Drama Queens. completely Psycho!

.. criminal.... corrupt... this is about the corrupt (Judge) and justice system that helped them get revenge on his x girlfriend.

http://www.topix.com/forum/city/long-beach-ca...

[CAPT GARY ZAPP]

READ THIS -- ALL -- SOME OF YOU FOLKS WOULD JUST LIKE TO HANG SOMEONE FOR THE SAKE OF HANGING!! DR DAVID HILL SAVED MY LIFE (OR RATHER BROUGHT ME BACK FROM DEATH ON OCT 17 1994) I HAVE KNOWN HIM THEREFORE FOR 14 YEARS AND THIS MAN HAS DONE NOTHING BUT GOOD!! BEFORE YOU START POINTING A FINGER AT HIM AS A DRUG DEALER OR MALPRACTICE OR WHATEVER IT MIGHT BE THAT YOUR SICK INSENSITIVE MINDS MIGHT WANT TO BELIEVE YOU MIGHT WANT TO FIND OUT THAT THIS MAN IS SCHEDULED FOR KNEE REPLACEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I HAVE SEEN HIM GO THROUGH THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE, AND OTHER TRAUMATIC THINGS IN THE YEARS THAT I HAVE KNOWN HIM. YET, EVERYDAY BE THERE TENDING TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. SO I SAY TO YOU ALL, PRAISE DR DAVID HILL, AND ALL FOR ASSOCIATES FOR WHAT THEY DO.

[Deborah]

I understand that Dr.Hills license had to be suspended for what has happened however I would like to let him know how much I would love to support him
in his efforts to get help. Dr. Hill saw me in the E.R. years ago, for a very serious heart related problem. No one had ever taken the time to explain to me, what was really happening with my heart, to cause the problems I was having. He reassured me that this was something that could surgically be corrected and he was so supportive and caring. He became my cardiologist after that time and always treated me with kindness and respect. I could call him whenever I needed to and he was and is one of those doctors who's bedside manner, made all the difference in the world. I believe he is still a
wonderful doctor who is going through a very diffiicult period in his life. He is worth alot more then ugly comments. He has done so much good and it sounds like he never prescribed to anyone other then himself. What he did was wrong and now he will have to get himself clean. I have no doubt, he will. Please know that there are people like myself, Dr. Hill who will hold you dear in their hearts and wish you nothing but success in your recovery!

[annonymous]

Truth is that there are DR. FEELGOODS writing scripts and selling drugs to addicts. Oxycotten is a big proplem that the media really hasn't uncovered yet.

[Coast Watcher]

Give me a break. The guy's a drug addict and cannot be doing his job either appropriately or ethically. Get him in treatment and see if he can break the addiction. Otherwise, jerk his license! He probably also was overprescribing to drug addicts as well. Since he knew the game, he knew what he was doing then, too.

[Lisa from Carlsbad]

Dr. Hill I miss you already..You saved my life in 1985 and I will alway's remember your love, compassion, and kindness you gave to me and my family at a time of great need. You have been an amazing friend and Doctor to me thank you for all your help on getting my health on the right track. I will stand behind you 100%. I hope that you get the help you need with much love and kindness the same that you gave to all of us.
God Bless You and your Family..