A group of doctors from Michigan and a neighboring state are facing serious legal charges for their role in a scheme that apparently involved “pill mill” clinics. A dozen doctors are included in a group of 16 people sentenced to prison for their role in an elaborate health care fraud and prescription fraud scheme. Prosecutors say these individuals ran clinics specifically designed to function as pill mills for addicts and drug dealers.
A complex health care fraud scheme
According to records, the scheme resulted in approximately 6.6 million doses of opioids and around $250 million in false insurance billings. The network of pain clinics extended across several states, and reports indicated that patients could not receive drugs unless they agreed to painful, unnecessary and expensive injections in the back. The injections were pushed by the doctors because they brought the highest amount of reimbursement from insurance companies.
Prosecutors stated that the doctors continued to push the injections on patients even after some developed adverse medical conditions. Doctors used the proceeds from their pain clinics for private jets, jewelry, vacations and more. In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, doctors also had to pay restitution.
The serious implications of health care fraud
Conviction of health care fraud can result in an extensive prison sentence and other consequences. An individual facing these allegations will benefit from the guidance and support of an experienced defense attorney. With knowledgeable defense counsel, a Michigan defendant will be able to confront the prosecution’s case or seek lesser penalties during the sentencing phase.
