Mountain Empire Surgery Center suffers $1.3M loss through alleged scam by fake company: 6 key notes

Johnson City, Tenn.-based Mountain Empire Surgery Center was allegedly scammed out of $1.3 million from two men acting as a medical device company, the TimesNews reports.

Advertisement

Here’s what you should know:

1. Two men are being sued for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and 15 counts of mail fraud for allegedly operating a fake medical supply company. From April 2010 to March 2016, the men allegedly created 161 false documents and received $1.3 million in payments for undelivered equipment.

2. The one man was a former employee of the center, working as the center’s material manager.

3. In early 2009, the men began creating and submitting false purchase orders, invoices and packing slips to the surgery center for equipment the center never received.

4. United Surgical Partners International, the center’s affiliate, would allegedly issue checks to the men’s fake company for the equipment.

5. The men would deposit the checks and split the profits between each other.

6. Mountain Empire Surgery Center Administrator James Branon said in a release, “We are aware of the investigation and will continue to cooperate throughout the process however needed. We are very appreciative of the support we have received from the local authorities.”

More articles on improving health:
Minneapolis ophthalmic company to pay $12M to settle kickback allegations
Getting online reviews: Tips for ASCs in a digital world
Dr. Yuriy Zhurov joins Oswego Health’s ASC — 4 key notes

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC News

Advertisement

Comments are closed.