Multiple people have been charged in a massive healthcare fraud scheme totaling $1.2 billion.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department announced charges against 36 participants in the nationwide scheme. The elaborate system was conducted by lab owners and company executives who ordered unnecessary tests and equipment and then billed Medicare and other insurance companies for them. The accused allegedly ordered these items sometimes without any interaction with patients. When they did speak with patients, it was via telemedicine appointments.
Additionally, medical laboratory owners and operators are being accused of paying illegal kickbacks to medical professionals, medical equipment companies, and even telemedicine companies in exchange for patient referrals.
In one case, Jamie McNamara of Missouri, owner of New Orleans-based Clarity Diagnostic Laboratories, Opteo Laboratory, and Signify Laboratory, used his “shell laboratories” to conduct the operation. Allegedly, he devised a plan to have marketing companies pay telemedicine centers to call patients and offer them no-cost, Medicare-approved cardiovascular and genetic testing. Doctors were compensated to clear the testing even if the patients didn’t need them. His labs submitted claims to Medicare worth more than $174 million. McNamara then laundered the money through multiple bank accounts to fund his lavish lifestyle.
Christopher Thigpen of Hammond, Louisiana, owns Akrivis Laboratories. He ran a similar scheme, bringing in $65 million with the help of McNamara. Millions of dollars in kickbacks to telemarketers or other testing labs was paid in exchange for referrals and patient information.
Many of the accused have been charged with fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, and disbursing illegal kickbacks. The case is also the first of its kind, specifically targeting cardiovascular genetic testing fraud.
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Hey everyone,
It’s alarming to see the extent to which these individuals went to deceive the system and exploit patients and insurance companies. The fact that lab owners and executives ordered unnecessary tests and equipment without even interacting with patients is outrageous.
The involvement of telemedicine appointments adds another layer of complexity to this scheme. It’s unfortunate that some medical professionals and equipment companies were willing to participate in this fraud in exchange for illegal kickbacks. This now not only undermines the integrity of the healthcare system however also puts patients at risk.
The case of Jamie McNamara and Christopher Thigpen is particularly appalling. The use of shell laboratories, paying marketing companies to offer unnecessary testing, and laundering money for personal gain demonstrates a complete disregard for ethics and the well-being of patients.
It’s fundamental that the justice system takes strong motion against these individuals to ship a clear message that healthcare fraud will not be tolerated. This case serves as a reminder that we must stay vigilant in protecting our healthcare system from such fraudulent activities.