Pharmacy Owner, Medical Doctor, and Patient Recruiter Convicted in $4.3 Million Pain and Scar Cream Kickback Scheme
In a shocking turn of events, Larry Howard, the owner of Fertility Pharmacy in Orlando, Florida, was convicted of paying and receiving health care kickbacks, along with medical doctor Nicole Bramwell and patient recruiter Raymond Stone.
The scheme, which lasted from October 2014 to May 2015, resulted in TRICARE paying Fertility Pharmacy over $4.3 million in false and fraudulent claims. The defendants used the money to purchase expensive pain and scar creams, which could cost up to $17,000 per bottle.
According to evidence presented at trial, Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Stone, who in return referred patients to doctors previously selected by Howard. The doctors then prescribed the expensive creams, which Howard billed to TRICARE.
Bramwell, a medical doctor, was also convicted of receiving health care kickbacks from Howard, writing prescriptions for the expensive creams in exchange for payment.
The case was investigated by the DOD-OIG and the FBI and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Sentencing is expected to take place soon, but the exact date has not been announced. In the meantime, the defendants will remain in custody pending their sentencing.
The case highlights the need for increased accountability and transparency in the health care industry. The government is taking steps to increase penalties for those who engage in health care fraud and to protect patients from unnecessary and expensive treatments.
Larry Howard, Nicole Bramwell, and Raymond Stone were convicted after a five-day trial of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks and paying and receiving kickbacks. Howard was also convicted of two counts of paying health care kickbacks and two counts of money laundering.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our nation’s military and their families from health care scams. The defendants’ actions not only harmed TRICARE but also undermined the trust that patients have in the health care system.
The government is committed to pursuing those who engage in health care fraud and to ensuring that patients receive the care they need without unnecessary expenses.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Health Care Fraud
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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