Memphis Podiatrist Soaked Medicare for $4M

MEMPHIS, TN – A Memphis podiatrist is trading foot baths for prison bars after being sentenced to four years behind bars for a brazen scheme to bilk Medicare and TennCare out of nearly $4 million. Nathan Lucas, D.P.M., 59, used his podiatry clinic and two pharmacies as a pipeline for fraudulent claims, prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary medications for foot soaks.

The feds say Lucas wasn’t interested in patient care; he was interested in reimbursement rates. Between October 2018 and September 2021, Lucas prescribed concoctions of antibiotics and antifungals – some not even *soluble* in water – to be mixed into foot baths. He wasn’t tailoring treatments to medical need, according to court documents, but rather choosing drugs based on how much Medicare and TennCare would pay. His pharmacies submitted nearly $4 million in claims, and walked away with over $3 million in fraudulent reimbursements.

The scheme wasn’t subtle. Prosecutors detailed how Lucas routinely prescribed medications inappropriate for dissolving in water, effectively wasting both product and patient time, all for a quick buck. The jury clearly saw through the charade, finding Lucas guilty on March 18th of five counts of health care fraud. This wasn’t about legitimate medical practice; it was about exploiting a system designed to help those in need.

“This sentencing demonstrates our commitment to holding accountable those who defraud federal health care programs,” stated Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri. U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) all joined in the announcement, signaling a unified front against healthcare fraud.

The investigation was a joint effort between HHS-OIG and the TBI, with the prosecution handled by Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter and Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. This case is part of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which has charged over 5,400 defendants and exposed over $27 billion in fraudulent billing since 2007.

The Justice Department is clear: healthcare fraud won’t be tolerated. The Fraud Section continues to lead the charge, and agencies like CMS and HHS-OIG are working to ensure accountability. Those looking for more information on combating health care fraud can find it at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. This case serves as a stark reminder that greed will ultimately lead to consequences, and that those who prey on the healthcare system will face justice.