Grimy Times has learned that Jerry Joseph Bruggeman, a 53-year-old Columbia, Mo., physician, has pleaded guilty to making false statements relating to a healthcare matter in federal court.
According to court documents, in early 2020, the Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, became aware of a report that a Medicare beneficiary had been invoiced for a medical service purportedly performed by Bruggeman, even though the patient indicated he had never heard of Bruggeman.
Investigation revealed that in January 2019, Bruggeman had ordered genetic testing for this patient, for whom a laboratory submitted 26 claims to Medicare.
The investigation further revealed that between January 2018 and December 2019, Bruggeman referred over 3,100 orders for cancer and pharmacological genetic testing and durable medical equipment such as orthotic braces.
The orders referred by Bruggeman affected over 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries and resulted in over 8,700 claims being submitted to Medicare for payment.
Genetic testing orders signed by Bruggeman had resulted in Medicare Part B paying a total of $1,055,303.
Additionally, claims for durable medical equipment under Medicare Part B had resulted in $551,105 in Medicare payments.
In total, Bruggeman’s orders for genetic testing and durable medical equipment caused Medicare Part B to pay a total of $1,606,408.
Bruggeman received approximately $29,440 in compensation from a telehealth company for the orders he signed through an online portal.
Under federal statutes, Bruggeman is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
Related Federal Cases
- Albert Davis Indicted for Making False Declarations, Texas, 2015 · Missouri
- Jerry D. Roof, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, East Alton IL, 2023 · Illinois
- Bruce Wayne Stephens, Threatening an Attorney, Missouri 2024 · Iowa
- Charles Hicks, False Invoice Scheme, MO 2024 · Missouri
- Tara F. Garrett, False Claim Upon Government, MO 2023 · Missouri
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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