Dr. Talbot owned and operated Medex Clinical Consultants, a medical clinic that accepted cash payments from individuals seeking prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, according to a Feb. 6 news release from the Justice Department.
In 2015, Dr. Talbot took a full-time job in Pineville, La., but continued to pre-sign prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances to individuals at Medex whom he did not see or examine.
In addition, Dr. Talbot falsified patient records to cover up the scheme. The individuals who purchased the prescriptions filled them with insurance benefits, causing programs including Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to be billed for controlled substances that were prescribed without a patient exam or medical necessity.
In total, Dr. Talbot conspired to illegally distribute more than 1.8 million doses of controlled substances, including oxycodone, hydrocodone and morphine, and defrauded healthcare programs for more than $5.4 million, the release 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.