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Lakeland Doctor Pleads Guilty to Healthcare Fraud
Tampa, FL – In a shocking turn of events, James F. Pruchniewski, a 66-year-old podiatrist from Lakeland, has pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud. The maximum penalty for this heinous crime is a staggering 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has yet to be set.
According to the plea agreement, Dr. Pruchniewski owned and operated the North Lakeland Foot Clinic, where he treated patients with a dubious treatment called ‘micro-vas therapy.’ This so-called ‘therapy’ involved rendering electrical impulses to patients’ muscles, supposedly to stimulate circulation and healing. However, the clinic’s employees, who were not licensed physical therapists, were the ones administering the treatment.
The employees would position the patients in recliners, apply pads, and attach wire leads, all while Dr. Pruchniewski remained blissfully absent. He would not hook up the patients, discuss the therapy with them, monitor them during treatment, or disconnect them from the machine. It’s a miracle the patients didn’t suffer more harm.
But the scheme didn’t stop there. Dr. Pruchniewski directed his employees to bill Medicare for false claims, claiming the micro-vas therapy was a legitimate treatment. The total intended loss to Medicare exceeds a staggering $400,000, with the actual loss totaling $58,025.74.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
Dr. Pruchniewski’s actions are a slap in the face to the medical profession and a betrayal of the trust placed in him by his patients. His guilty plea is a small step towards justice, but it’s a reminder that healthcare fraud will not be tolerated.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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