Rochester Radiologist Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Health Insurance Programs

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
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ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. announced today that Thomas F. Stephenson, MD, 72, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty to committing health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that Stephenson, a radiologist, owned and operated Westside Imaging in Rochester. From January 2007 to April 2010, the defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud Excellus Health, MVP Health and Medicare by double-billing certain x-rays. In total, Stephenson fraudulently sought reimbursements of approximately $135,961.77.

“It is an unfortunate fact that fraud directed at our health care system results in greater costs for everyone, including taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “As this case demonstrates, law enforcement will vigorously investigate such fraud and will prosecute anyone – including doctors – found to have perpetrated the crime.”

The plea is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. before Judge Geraci.