Physician found guilty in $12M Tricare fraud scheme

Arkansas physician Joe May, MD, was convicted on 22 counts over his involvement in a scheme to defraud Tricare of $12 million, the Justice Department said June 10.

Advertisement

Dr. May, 41, signed off on illegitimate pain cream prescriptions in order to get reimbursement from Tricare, which insures the nation’s veterans and active duty military members. A pharmacy promoter paid recruiters to find people insured by Tricare, who were then prescribed the pain cream whether they needed it or not, the department said.

Dr. May wrote 226 prescriptions over 10 months, all but one of which were supplied by drug sales representatives who have pleaded guilty in the fraud scheme, the department said. Dr. May accepted nearly $15,000 in cash bribes to rubber stamp the prescriptions.

Each of Dr. May’s convictions carries a possible maximum prison sentence of between five and 20 years, the department said.

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 Coding, Billing & Collections

Advertisement

Comments are closed.