Related Federal Cases
- Orlando Pascual Jr., HIV Treatment Medicare Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · Florida
- Juan A. Tony Marrero, Medicare Fraud Scheme, Miami FL, 2023 · Florida
- Juan A. Tony Marrero, Medicare Fraud Scheme, Miami FL, 2024 · Florida
- Michael Szafranski Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Su… · Florida
- Alejandra Collazo Sentenced to 17 Years for Medicare Fraud, Fort La… · Florida
Ocala Doctor Pleads Guilty to $1.5 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Toenail Clipping
Jacksonville, FL – In a shocking case of healthcare deception, 55-year-old Ocala podiatrist Michael Rotstein has pleaded guilty to one count of healthcare fraud, according to Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow.
Rotstein’s scheme involved billing Medicare and TRICARE for procedures that did not actually occur. He claimed to have performed nearly half of his procedures for the removal of skin and muscle, which placed him in the top one-percent of billers nationwide for this procedure. However, in reality, Rotstein was performing routine foot care, including the clipping of toenails, which is not a reimbursable service under Medicare or TRICARE.
The defendant submitted false claims to the Medicare and TRICARE programs, including using a false diagnosis code and false billing code. He also included notes in his patients’ medical files to make it appear that he was actually performing these services. As a result, Rotstein received $1,504,952.67 in healthcare reimbursements to which he was not entitled.
The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta.
Rotstein faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and must pay mandatory restitution of approximately $1.5 million. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This brazen scheme highlights the need for increased oversight and accountability in the healthcare industry. The public deserves to know that their tax dollars are being used to fund legitimate healthcare services, not to pad the pockets of greedy healthcare providers.
As the investigation and prosecution of this case continue, it is clear that Rotstein’s actions were a betrayal of the public’s trust. His guilty plea is a step towards justice, but it is only the beginning. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News