Physicians, Pharmacists Charged in One of the Largest Drug Scams in Michigan's History

Four physicians, a dozen pharmacists, a psychologist and an accountant have been charged in what the government is calling one of the largest drug scams in Michigan's history, according to a Detroit Free Press report.

A total of 26 people allegedly engaged in fraudulent activity at more than 20 pharmacies statewide. The scheme involved billing insurers for millions of dollars in fraudulent prescriptions for OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax and cough syrup with codeine. Participating physicians received kickbacks for writing the prescriptions, as did the patients who agreed to let them bill their insurers.

The indictment alleges that Babubhai Patel, a pharmacist from Canton, Mich., owned and controlled nearly 26 pharmacies statewide but used straw owners to conceal his ownership and control. He is charged with distributing kickbacks, bribes and other inducements to physicians in exchange for their prescriptions to his pharmacies.

Read the Detroit Free Press report on the large prescription drug fraud scheme in Michigan.

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