Helen Boerman, OD, an optometrist in Brentwood, Tenn., pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicare of $6.9 million.
Dr. Boerman used her practice, Brentwood Eye Care, to submit about $11 million in false Medicare claims, and she received nearly $7 million, according to a May 7 news release from the Justice Department.
For more than three years, Dr. Boerman submitted claims for reimbursement of wound care products that were never actually purchased or used.
Dr. Boerman directed staff at the practice to create false records to support the false claims.
In addition to the fraudulent Medicare claims, Dr. Boerman also submitted false claims to TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid agency, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Programs.
Dr. Boerman’s sentencing is set for September. She faces up to five years in prison, the release said.
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