An osteopathic physician with a clinic in Michigan was charged in federal court last year with conspiracy along with health care fraud. In July, another seven counts were added to the initial 18 counts. Two other individuals who apparently also worked out of the same clinic were also charged. The alleged white collar crimes involve selling services and compounded creams and submitting false claims with health insurers like Medicare.
According to the indictment, all three defendants allegedly participated in the conspiracy to submit the false claims for pain patches, prescription pain creams, vitamins and scar creams, and also causing others to file such claims. The osteopathic physician also faces a charge of unlawful possession and distribution of controlled substances. One of the other two defendants enter a guilty plea to health care fraud conspiracy, and the other one faces money laundering charges as well.
Reportedly, the physician pleaded guilty to one count of violating the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, and in exchange, all the other charges were dropped. However, according to the plea agreement, her medical license, which expires at the end of this year, may not be renewed, and she might be ordered to pay about $150,000 in restitution. Furthermore, at her sentencing in March next year, she could be sent to prison for up to 24 months.
Convictions on federal charges can cause severe harm to the reputation, finances and future of professionals such as physicians. Anyone in Michigan who faces similar charges will likely benefit from retaining the services of a criminal defense attorney who has experience in dealing with the intricacies of white collar crimes at the federal level. A lawyer will work to secure the best possible outcome for the client.