A New York radiologist pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud Wednesday and could face up to ten years in prison.
Thomas F. Stephenson, MD, owned and operated Westside Imaging in Rochester, N.Y. He is accused of double-billing Excellus Health, MVP Health and Medicare for some x-rays from 2007 to 2010. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Stephenson fraudulently sought reimbursements of over $135,000.
“It is an unfortunate fact that fraud directed at our health care system results in greater costs for everyone, including taxpayers,” U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. said in a statement. “As this case demonstrates, law enforcement will vigorously investigate such fraud and will prosecute anyone—including doctors—found to have perpetrated the crime.”
Stephenson’s sentencing is scheduled for November.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.