Federal enforcement actions targeting telemedicine fraud are not slowing down. In a recent case, with major implications for clinicians and telehealth operators, the DOJ announced that the owner of a Florida‑based telemedicine company has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive $46.2 million Medicare fraud scheme that ran for more than six years.
According to federal court filings, Christopher Harwood operated TelevisitMD, a telemedicine entity, and used aggressive telemarketing tactics to push Medicare beneficiaries into accepting orthotic braces and genetic tests they did not need. Harwood then paid physicians to “approve” these orders, despite the fact that the doctors had no legitimate telemedicine encounters, no established patient relationships, and often no meaningful interaction at all with the beneficiaries whose orders they signed. Harwood also owned several DME companies that billed Medicare directly for unnecessary braces.
The scheme generated over $46 million in fraudulent claims, with Medicare paying out $17.9 million. Harwood, who has now pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud, personally pocketed more than $10.4 million. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and has agreed to pay $17.9 million in restitution.
As enforcement continues to intensify, clinicians should carefully evaluate any telemedicine or DME-related contracting opportunities. If you need support or would like to discuss your situation, please feel free to contact us.
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