Alabama Doc Robinson Faces Fraud Charges in $6M Telemed Scheme

BOSTON – A brazen scheme to bilk Medicare out of $6 million has landed Alabama doctor Tommie Robinson, 43, in the crosshairs of federal investigators. Robinson has agreed to plead guilty to one count of health care fraud, admitting his role in a network that peddled medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) and genetic testing to vulnerable beneficiaries.

The feds allege that between December 2018 and March 2021, Robinson functioned as a rubber stamp, signing off on doctors’ orders for DME and genetic tests without ever laying eyes on the patients. These orders weren’t based on legitimate medical need, but on pre-populated forms generated from aggressive telemarketing campaigns targeting Medicare recipients. Robinson allegedly had no medical relationship with these individuals, yet his signature paved the way for over $6 million in fraudulent claims.

The scheme hinged on exploiting the booming telemedicine industry. Companies allegedly used Robinson’s credentials to legitimize orders for expensive DME and genetic testing – tests often aimed at detecting cancer risks – regardless of whether they were medically appropriate. The resulting claims were then submitted to Medicare, fueled by kickbacks and built on a foundation of false documentation. Investigators say Robinson reaped the benefits while patients were subjected to unnecessary procedures and tests.

“This wasn’t about healthcare; it was about greed,” said a source close to the investigation. “Robinson knowingly participated in a scheme that preyed on vulnerable seniors and wasted taxpayer dollars. He treated patient charts like order forms.” The genetic tests, while potentially useful in certain cases, were allegedly ordered en masse, without proper medical justification, solely to generate revenue.

If convicted, Tommie Robinson faces up to 10 years behind bars, three years of supervised release, and a hefty fine – up to $250,000 or twice the financial gain from the scheme, whichever is greater. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Locker of the Health Care Fraud Unit and Alexandra Brazier and Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Units.

The investigation was a joint effort led by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, and involved the Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (Special Agent in Charge Robert Coviello), the FBI (Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks), the United States Postal Inspection Service (Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward), the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (Acting Regional Director Kelly M. Lawson), and the Defense Criminal Investigation Service (Special Agent in Charge Patrick Hegarty). It’s a stark reminder that even remote medical practices aren’t immune to the long arm of the law. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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