Illinois Physician Pleads Guilty to Fraud

James Durham, MD, of Benton, Ill., pleaded guilty to charges that he overcharged Medicare and Medicaid for services, according to a report by the Southern Illinoisan.

While president of Franklin (Ill.) Rural Health Care Clinic, Dr. Durham instructed employees to bill Medicare and Medicaid for services not covered by the payors. In total, Dr. Durham improperly charged Medicare for $42,503 and Medicaid for $145,388 between Jan. 1, 2003, and May 31, 2006, according to the report

Dr. Durham faces possible prison time and a $100,000 fine. He will be sentenced in July.

Read the Southern Illinoisan's report on the Illinois physician's guilty plea.

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