A 59-year-old podiatrist from Lewisburg, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to two counts of health care fraud, admitting to submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for procedures that were never performed.
Dr. Charlton Peter, a podiatrist, submitted claims seeking reimbursement for performing nail avulsions, a procedure covered by Medicare, when he merely provided his patients with routine foot care, including clipping patients’ toenails, which is not covered by Medicare.
According to the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, David Rivera, Peter faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of health care fraud.
Peter will also be ordered to forfeit $122,691 representing the proceeds from his fraud. The case was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski represented the United States in the case. Peter will be sentenced by Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. on March 3, 2017.
The scheme was uncovered when authorities investigated claims that Peter was submitting for procedures that were not performed. The guilty plea marks a significant blow to the community, where Peter’s actions have left many questioning the integrity of their healthcare providers.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the healthcare industry. As the investigation continues, it is clear that Peter’s actions have had serious consequences, and he will face the full weight of the law for his crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Tennessee
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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