A Whitefish physician is facing charges from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The physician, Ronald David Dean, is accused of aiding in fraudulent billing amounting to approximately $39 million in Medicare and other federal benefits programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to theDaily Montanan, Dean has entered into a plea deal with federal prosecutors to assist in the investigation. As part of the agreement, he will need to repay around $780,500 in restitution to the Medicare program and other federal programs.
The charging document filed in U.S. District Court in Missoula alleges that Dean signed prescriptions and documents for medical devices and COVID-19 tests for unnecessary cases. Two individuals running telemedicine companies in Florida then billed the government, with Dean receiving kickback payments as part of the scheme.
The conspiracy led to fraudulent claims totaling $39.6 million, of which at least $18 million was paid out by Medicare, the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Railroad Retirement Board.
To receive reimbursement through Medicare for medical equipment, providers must abide by program laws, submit only necessary claims, document COVID-19 test requests, and avoid false claims. The charging document details how Dean and co-conspirators bypassed these requirements.
Under the plea agreement, Dean may receive reductions in his offense level for cooperating with investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Montana declined to comment on potential charges for the co-conspirators.
Dean, an emergency department physician at St. Luke Community Healthcare, is not facing allegations related to his work there. The company will conduct an internal investigation.
Reviews on WebMD suggest suspicions of Dean running a Medicare billing scam.
This story has been updated to include comments from Todd, confirming allegations are unrelated to Dean’s work at St. Luke Community Healthcare.
Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com.
