BOAZ PHYSICIAN PLEADS GUILTY TO HEALTH CARE FRAUD

BIRMINGHAM, AL - THOMAS RICHARD MARTIN, 51, of Boaz, Alabama, has plead guilty today to health care fraud against the Medicare program, and health care fraud against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

"Physicians are accountable for their billing practices," stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. "Billing Medicare or private insurance companies for high priced services not rendered, drive up the costs in our healthcare system."

Martin operated as a general practitioner at his medical office in the City of Boaz, located in Marshall County, Alabama. From December 2001 through June 2004, Martin fraudulently billed the Medicare program and Blue Cross and Blue Shield for services which were not provided to Medicare beneficiaries. Specifically, Martin billed for a Current Procedural Terminology Code 14300, which indicated a surgical removal of a malignant skin cancer when that procedure was not performed. In many instances, rather than removing cancerous tissue, Martin performed only simple procedures such as the removal of non-cancerous moles, warts, or other minor cosmetic procedures.

The plea agreement seeks restitution in the amount of $30,451.99, special assessments of $600, and $23,000 for cost of investigation and prosecution of this case. Upon the execution of the plea agreement Martin also waived appeal rights. Martin agreed in a civil settlement agreement to pay restitution in the amount of $105,000.

Martin could face imprisonment of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. As a part of the civil settlement, Martin agreed to permanently surrender his license to practice medicine. A sentencing date is scheduled for August 16, 2007, before U.S. District Court Judge C. Lynwood Smith, Jr., in Birmingham.

"Investigations of healthcare fraud ensure accountability," stated Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Field Division. "Accountability promotes honesty in billing practices."

The Medicare Program is administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Investigation was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lloyd Peeples is prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. Government.