DISCIPLINE SUMMARIES
DR. ANDREW WINSTON TAYLOR
PRACTICE LOCATION: Niagara Falls
AREA OF PRACTICE: Ophthalmology
HEARING INFORMATION: Contested Hearing; 12 Hearing
Days
On July 29, 2016, the Discipline Committee found
that Dr. Taylor committed an act of professional
misconduct in that he has engaged in an act or omis-
sion relevant to the practice of medicine that, having
regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be
regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or
unprofessional.
Dr. Taylor billed for medical procedures that were
not performed and instructed members of his staff to
create, alter, or otherwise manipulate medical records
related to such procedures.
Dr. Taylor, an ophthalmologist, operated a laser
eye surgery clinic in Niagara Falls which offered at
least two types of laser eye surgery – Planoscan and
Zyoptix. The Zyoptix procedure was the newer, more
intricate procedure and required more resources.
The Zyoptix procedure was more expensive than the
Planoscan procedure.
Dr. Taylor first performed the Zyoptix procedure at
the clinic in the summer of 2002. From the summer
of 2002 until May 2003, more than 120 patients were
billed for the Zyoptix procedure when in fact they had
received the less expensive Planoscan procedure. The
clinic issued refund cheques to 133 patients in 2003.
The Committee found that the overbilling was
deliberate and intentional and that Dr. Taylor altered
or directed the altering of records to make it look
as if they had received the Zyoptix, rather than the
Planoscan procedure. The Committee found that
Dr. Taylor directed others to carry out blank firings
of the laser (meaning no patient was present but the
laser was operated), on numerous occasions in April
and May 2003 to support inappropriate billing.
ORDER
The Discipline Committee ordered: the revocation of
Dr. Taylor’s certificate of registration; a reprimand;
and payment to the College of costs in the amount of
50
DIALOGUE ISSUE 3, 2018
$54,560.
For complete details, please see the full decision at
www.cpso.on.ca. Select Find a Doctor and enter the
doctor’s name.
APPEAL
On August 26, 2016, Dr. Taylor appealed the deci-
sion of the Discipline Committee to the Divisional
Court of the Superior Court of Justice. On May 26,
2017, Dr. Taylor appealed the decision of the Disci-
pline Committee, on penalty and costs.
On September 4, 2018, the Divisional Court dis-
missed Dr. Taylor's appeal, with costs to the College.
Full decisions are available online at www.cpso.on.ca.
Select Find a Doctor and enter the doctor’s name.