Four Central Florida Residents Charged in $2.7 Billion National Health Care Fraud Crackdown by DOJ

Four Central Florida residents are among 193 people charged in a massive $2.7 billion healthcare fraud crackdown by the U.S. Department of Justice. Erin Kim, a nurse practitioner from Orlando, allegedly illegally prescribed stimulants to non-qualifying patients and fabricated files, resulting in over $800,000 in payment from a telemedicine company. Marques Green and Ma Cadet, both from Windemere and Kissimmee, are accused of attempting to defraud Medicare for millions in equipment reimbursements by bribing telemedicine employees for physician orders. Eric Brewer, a registered nurse from Lakeland, is charged with stealing fentanyl from hospitals for self-use.

Central Florida has recently become the epicenter of a massive healthcare fraud case, with four residents among the 193 individuals charged by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) [1]. The accused include nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and telemedicine employees, all allegedly involved in schemes to defraud Medicare and other health insurance providers.

Erin Kim, a nurse practitioner from Orlando, stands accused of illegally prescribing stimulants to non-qualifying patients and fabricating files. According to the DOJ, Kim's actions resulted in over $800,000 in payment from a telemedicine company [1]. This case is reminiscent of the Medicare fraud schemes that have plagued the healthcare industry in the past, where providers have exploited vulnerabilities in the system for financial gain [2].

In addition to Kim, Marques Green and Ma Cadet, both from Windemere and Kissimmee, are accused of attempting to defraud Medicare for millions in equipment reimbursements. The duo allegedly bribed telemedicine employees for physician orders, further highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of healthcare fraud schemes [1].

Eric Brewer, a registered nurse from Lakeland, is charged with stealing fentanyl from hospitals for self-use. This case underscores the importance of addressing substance abuse among healthcare providers, as it can have serious consequences for both the individuals involved and the patients they serve [3].

The cases of these four Central Florida residents are part of a larger $2.7 billion healthcare fraud crackdown announced by the DOJ. This enforcement action serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat fraud and abuse within the healthcare system [1].

References:

[1] U.S. Department of Justice. (2022, April 7). 193 individuals charged in nationwide healthcare fraud and opioid-related takedown. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/193-individuals-charged-nationwide-healthcare-fraud-and-opioid-related-takedown

[2] Barlow, J. (2018, March 29). Medicare fraud and abuse: the dark side of healthcare. Retrieved from https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/publications/the_voice_of_senior_law/articles/2018/spring/medicare-fraud-and-abuse-the-dark-side-of-healthcare/

[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Substance abuse among healthcare personnel. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/healthcare/substance-abuse/substance-abuse-among-healthcare-personnel