A North Ridgeville, Ohio-based physician has pleaded guilty to his role in a $14.5 million Medicare scheme, according to an April 11 news release from the Justice Department.
What happened?
- Timothy Sutton, MD, pleaded guilty to participating in a Medicare fraud conspiracy involving unnecessary medical equipment and lab test prescriptions.
- Dr. Sutton and co-conspirators fraudulently billed Medicare over $14.5 million through telemedicine companies Real Time Physicians and 24 Hour Virtual MD.
- He approved pre-filled orders for durable medical equipment and cancer genetic testing without examining patients, falsely claiming telemedicine evaluations.
- The fraudulent orders were then used by affiliated or outside companies to submit illegitimate claims to Medicare.
What’s next?
- Dr. Sutton faces up to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to wire and bank fraud conspiracy, false healthcare statement and identity theft. Sentencing is scheduled for July 26.
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