A Michigan podiatrist is facing a lengthy prison sentence for his role in a scheme to defraud the Medicare program of millions of dollars. The doctor was convicted by a jury after using the name of another care provider to bill the health care program. He began using the wrong name after Medicare revoked his privileges to participate in the program. In addition to a conviction for health care fraud, he was also convicted of falsification of records and aggravated identity theft.
A plan to defraud Medicare
In 2015, this doctor lost his privileges to participate in the Medicare program. He had his partner enroll instead, and they also opened a new clinic. After the new clinic was operational, the doctor resumed billing Medicare for services under the name of his practice partner. After discovering the scheme, Medicare suspended payments to the practice.
After the payments were suspended, the doctor communicated with Medicare under the name of his business partner. Prosecutors say this was an attempt to undermine the efforts of the government to investigate the case. He has yet to be sentenced, but he is facing decades behind bars for his actions.
The serious consequences of health care fraud
Allegations of health care fraud are serious, and the government prosecutes these cases to the fullest extent of the law. Individuals charged with these crimes will benefit from seeking the experienced guidance of a federal criminal defense attorney. This representation is critical for the protection of one’s interests at every step of the criminal justice process.
