Subject Numbers Regarding Health Provider Authorizations

November 3, 2006

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION – ERNEST ABELES, M.D.

Please be advised that by Consent Order (BPMC No. 06-161) of the State Board for Professional Medical Conduct, effective July 21, 2006, Ernest Abeles, M.D.'s, license to practice medicine was limited to preclude patient contact and any practice of medicine, clinical or otherwise, except for conducting independent medical examinations for the Social Security Administration and insurance carriers.

Effective October 25, 2006, Dr. Abeles' authorization (Number 091374-9B) to treat and conduct independent medical examinations of workers' compensation claimants was temporarily suspended pursuant to Workers' Compensation Law §13-d(4). Said suspension is in effect from October 25, 2006, through October 24, 2007. Dr. Abeles' current residence address is 351 East 19th Street, New York, New York 10003-2801.

Dr. Abeles is prohibited from rendering medical or other treatment and care to and conducting independent medical examinations of individuals who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. Medical reports submitted by Dr. Abeles for treatment or examinations rendered prior to July 21, 2006, are valid, but are invalid for any treatment or examinations rendered on or after that date. Requests to cross-examine Dr. Abeles regarding treatment or examinations he rendered prior to July 21, 2006, should not be denied due to this suspension. In addition, testimony and/or depositions concerning independent medical examinations conducted through July 20, 2006, may be provided.

VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION – FREDRIC JOEL COHEN, M.D.

Please be advised that effective August 1, 2006, Fredric Joel Cohen, M.D., surrendered his license to practice medicine to the New York State Department of Health, State Board for Professional Medical Conduct; and effective October 18, 2006, Dr. Cohen voluntarily resigned his authorization (Number 108899-6B) to treat and conduct independent medical examinations of workers' compensation claimants. Dr. Cohen's last known office address is 1225 81st Street, Brooklyn, New York 11228-3003.

Dr. Cohen is prohibited from rendering medical or other treatment and care to and conducting independent medical examinations of individuals who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses. Medical reports submitted by Dr. Cohen for treatment or examinations he rendered prior to August 1, 2006, are valid, but are invalid for any treatment rendered or independent medical examinations conducted on or after that date. Requests to cross-examine Dr. Cohen regarding treatment he rendered prior to the date he surrendered his license should not be denied. In addition, testimony and/or depositions concerning independent medical examinations conducted through July 31, 2006, may be provided.

Any questions regarding these matters should be referred to the Office of General Counsel at (518) 486-9564.