Subject Numbers Regarding Health Provider Authorizations

Authorization No. 264851-7W

November 27, 2018

Pursuant to Workers' Compensation Law Section 13-d(4), the Chair of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board has exercised her authority to temporarily suspend Dr. Fernando Jose Checo’s authorization to treat injured workers within the New York State workers’ compensation system effective November 26, 2018. Dr. Checo's last known business address is:

Central Orthopedics
651 Old Country Road, Suite 200
Plainview, New York 11803

The Chair’s designee’s investigation has revealed that the New York State Department of Health, State Board for Professional Medical Conduct (BPMC) has issued Order # 18-257, wherein the Hearing Committee sustained the charge that Dr. Checo has committed professional misconduct in violation of Education Law §6530(9)(a)(i) based on his misdemeanor conviction of Driving While Intoxicated, in violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law §1192. This resulted in a Censure and Reprimand pursuant to Public Health Law §230-a.

Therefore, the Chair believes that Dr. Checo may be guilty of misconduct as described in Education Law §6530(9)(a)(i), and that such misconduct would detrimentally affect the quality of care provided to injured workers.

Dr. Checo is prohibited from rendering treatment and care to injured workers and from conducting reviews of records regarding variance requests pursuant to 12 NYCRR § 324.3(b)(2)(ii)(a) while his authorization is temporarily suspended. Reports submitted by Dr. Checo for services rendered prior to November 26, 2018, are valid, but are invalid for any services rendered on or after that date. Requests to cross-examine Dr. Checo for services rendered prior to November 26, 2018, should not be denied due to the suspension of his authorization.

This suspension remains in effect until further notice. Any questions regarding the authorized lists should be referred to the Medical Director’s Office at 1 (800) 781-2362.