Louisiana chiropractor Sentenced to Prison for $2.3 Million Fraud
Table of Contents
- 1. Louisiana chiropractor Sentenced to Prison for $2.3 Million Fraud
- 2. The “Free” Massage Scheme and False Billing
- 3. COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud
- 4. Legal Outcome and Restitution
- 5. The Growing Problem of Healthcare Fraud
- 6. Protecting Yourself from healthcare Fraud
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Fraud
- 8. What penalties could the chiropractor face for upcoding and unbundling services?
- 9. Louisiana chiropractor Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud and Unemployment Insurance Scheme
- 10. Details of the Case: A Multi-faceted Fraud
- 11. Healthcare Fraud Component: Billing Irregularities
- 12. Unemployment Insurance Fraud: Concurrent Collection
- 13. Sentencing and Penalties
- 14. Implications for the Healthcare Industry
- 15. Resources for Reporting Healthcare Fraud
- 16. Related Search terms
New Orleans, LA – Dr. Benjamin Tekippe, 40, a chiropractor practicing in Louisiana, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for executing a complex scheme involving healthcare fraud and unemployment insurance deception. The sentencing, handed down recently, marks the culmination of a case that revealed a pattern of systematic billing irregularities and false claims.
The “Free” Massage Scheme and False Billing
According to court findings, Tekippe, owner of Metairie Chiropractic & Rehab, lured patients with offers of “free” chiropractic massages covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA).However, these massages, typically full-body treatments conducted by massage therapists, were not covered under patients’ insurance plans.He routinely submitted claims to BCBSLA for these unapproved massages, totaling over $2.3 million, and fraudulently received approximately $740,000.
The fraud extended beyond massage therapy. Tekippe also fabricated records and billed BCBSLA for chiropractic services he did not perform, or billed for services that differed from those actually provided. Remarkably, he continued to submit these false claims even while on vacation in Aruba, and during periods of incarceration in Arizona and Washington related to separate state charges. When confronted with an audit by BCBSLA,Tekippe allegedly directed staff to rewrite patient records,attempting to conceal the fraudulent activity.
COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud
Exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic, Tekippe concurrently filed false unemployment claims, falsely asserting he was unemployed while actively billing for chiropractic services. This resulted in the illicit collection of $12,952 in unemployment benefits.
Legal Outcome and Restitution
A federal jury convicted Tekippe in April 2025 on six counts of healthcare fraud and one count of wire fraud.In addition to the seven-year prison term, he has been ordered to pay $753,794.36 in restitution to cover the financial losses sustained as a result of his fraudulent schemes.
The examination was conducted by the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the inspector General (HHS-OIG). The prosecution was led by Trial Attorneys Kelly Z. Walters and Samantha Usher of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
The Growing Problem of Healthcare Fraud
this case underscores the increasing prevalence of healthcare fraud, which costs the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars annually. The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force has been actively combating these schemes since 2007, charging over 5,800 defendants responsible for over $30 billion in fraudulent claims. Learn more about the Health Care Fraud Unit.
Recent data from the National Health Care Fraud Association indicates that healthcare fraud attempts have surged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with fraudsters exploiting the increased vulnerability of the system.
| Fraud Type | Amount Involved | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| healthcare Fraud (BCBSLA) | $2.3 Million (Claims Submitted) | $740,000 (Fraudulently Received) |
| unemployment Insurance Fraud | $12,952 | Full Restitution Ordered |
| Total Restitution ordered | $753,794.36 | To be paid to victims |
Protecting Yourself from healthcare Fraud
Did You Know? Healthcare fraud not only impacts insurance companies and taxpayers but can also compromise patient safety and privacy.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Review yoru Description of Benefits (EOB) statements carefully for any services you did not receive.
- Safeguard your health insurance card and only share it with trusted healthcare providers.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers for “free” medical services.
- Report any suspected fraud to your insurance provider and the HHS-OIG.
Pro Tip: Regularly monitoring your medical records and credit reports can help detect fraudulent activity early.
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare Fraud
- What constitutes healthcare fraud? Healthcare fraud involves intentionally deceiving insurance companies or government healthcare programs to obtain financial gain.
- How can I report suspected healthcare fraud? You can report suspected fraud to your insurance provider, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), or the FBI.
- What are the penalties for healthcare fraud? Penalties can include hefty fines, imprisonment, and the loss of professional licenses.
- Is healthcare fraud a common problem? Yes, healthcare fraud is a significant problem costing billions of dollars each year.
- What is the role of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force? The Strike Force is a government initiative dedicated to investigating and prosecuting large-scale healthcare fraud schemes.
What are your thoughts on the severity of healthcare fraud penalties? Do you believe current measures are sufficient to deter such crimes?
Share your opinions and let’s discuss in the comments below.
What penalties could the chiropractor face for upcoding and unbundling services?
Louisiana chiropractor Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud and Unemployment Insurance Scheme
Details of the Case: A Multi-faceted Fraud
A Louisiana chiropractor recently received a notable sentence for engaging in both healthcare fraud and an unemployment insurance scheme. the case, prosecuted by federal authorities, highlights the growing scrutiny of healthcare professionals and the lengths to which some will go to illegally obtain funds. While specific details regarding the chiropractor’s identity are often withheld to protect ongoing investigations, the core elements of the fraud are becoming increasingly clear. The sentencing serves as a stark warning to others considering similar illegal activities.
Healthcare Fraud Component: Billing Irregularities
The healthcare fraud aspect of the case centered around inflated and falsified billing practices. This included:
* Upcoding: Billing for more complex and expensive procedures than were actually performed. Common in chiropractic fraud cases, upcoding aims to maximize insurance reimbursements.
* Unbundling: Separately billing for services that should have been included as part of a extensive treatment plan.
* Billing for Services Not Rendered: submitting claims for treatments patients never received. This is a notably egregious form of fraud.
* False Documentation: Creating or altering patient records to justify the inflated billing. Accurate medical records are crucial for legitimate claims.
These fraudulent claims were submitted to various insurance providers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies. The total amount of fraudulent claims submitted is substantial, reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This type of chiropractic fraud impacts the entire healthcare system, driving up costs for everyone.
Unemployment Insurance Fraud: Concurrent Collection
Adding to the severity of the charges, the chiropractor was also found guilty of unemployment insurance fraud. this involved collecting unemployment benefits while simultaneously operating a chiropractic practice and earning income.
* Misrepresentation of Employment Status: The chiropractor falsely claimed to be unemployed or underemployed to qualify for benefits.
* Failure to Report Income: Income earned from the chiropractic practice was not reported to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, concealing the chiropractor’s true financial situation.
* Duration of Fraud: The unemployment fraud scheme spanned several months, resulting in the illegal collection of thousands of dollars in benefits.
This dual scheme demonstrates a deliberate and calculated effort to defraud both the healthcare system and the state’s unemployment insurance program. Unemployment benefit fraud is taken seriously by authorities.
Sentencing and Penalties
The chiropractor faced a range of potential penalties, and the final sentence reflected the seriousness of the offenses.
* Prison Sentence: A significant prison term was handed down, perhaps lasting several years. The length of the sentence is determined by federal sentencing guidelines and the judge’s discretion.
* Financial Restitution: The chiropractor was ordered to pay restitution to the insurance companies and the state of Louisiana to cover the losses caused by the fraud.
* Loss of license: The chiropractor’s license to practice was revoked, effectively ending their career in healthcare. Chiropractic license revocation is a common consequence of fraud convictions.
* Criminal Record: A felony conviction will remain on the chiropractor’s record, impacting future employment opportunities and personal life.
Implications for the Healthcare Industry
This case has broader implications for the healthcare industry,particularly for chiropractors and other healthcare providers.
* Increased Scrutiny: Healthcare providers can expect increased scrutiny from insurance companies and law enforcement agencies.
* Compliance Programs: The need for robust compliance programs within chiropractic practices and other healthcare facilities is paramount. These programs should include regular audits, employee training, and clear policies regarding billing practices and documentation.
* Whistleblower Protection: Encouraging employees to report suspected fraud is crucial. whistleblower protection laws safeguard individuals who come forward with information about illegal activities.
* Importance of Accurate Billing: Maintaining accurate and detailed billing records is essential for avoiding legal trouble. Medical billing compliance is a critical aspect of healthcare practice.
Resources for Reporting Healthcare Fraud
If you suspect healthcare fraud, it’s significant to report it to the appropriate authorities.Here are some key resources:
* U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) office of Inspector General (OIG): https://oig.hhs.gov/
* Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI): https://www.fbi.gov/
* louisiana Workforce Commission Fraud Reporting: https://www.lwc.la.gov/ (search for fraud reporting)
* Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT): A joint task force dedicated to combating healthcare fraud.
* Healthcare fraud Louisiana
* Chiropractic fraud schemes
* Unemployment insurance fraud penalties
* Medical billing fraud
* False
