Christopher Leone, Fraudulent Billing, Illinois 2013

A Springfield chiropractor has plead guilty to submitting fraudulent bills to private insurance companies and the Medicare program. Christopher Leone, 41, owner of C.D. Leone Chiropractic, P.C., doing business as Leone Family Chiropractic, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Byron G. Cudmore on February 3, 2014 and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Leone admitted to billing private insurance companies for a total of approximately $48,624 and the Medicare program for services specifically coded for physical therapy that required the physician or therapist have direct (one-on-one) patient contact. However, neither Leone nor a therapist had direct patient contact, and in fact, the patients performed all physical therapy treatment on their own without any supervision by Leone or any other employee.

The investigation into Leone's fraudulent activities was conducted by the Illinois State Police, Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Hansen.

Leone faces a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000 for the offense of submitting false demands for payment against the United States of less than $1,000. The defendant may also be required to pay restitution to victims of the offense.

Leone has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $48,624 on or before the sentencing hearing. Sentencing is scheduled on February 3, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough.

Leone is the owner of C.D. Leone Chiropractic, P.C., doing business as Leone Family Chiropractic, located at 1019 S. 6th Street in Springfield, Illinois.

The business specializes in chiropractic treatment for the spine and nervous system and also offers other wellness treatments, including physical therapy.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/local-chiropractor-pleads-guilty-fraudulent-billing-claims