Robert Burkich, M.D., a physician based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, along with his practice Preventive Medicine Anti-Aging & Chelation, Inc. in Ringgold, Georgia, has reached a settlement over allegations of submitting false claims to Medicare for unnecessary chelation therapy. The settlement addresses accusations under the False Claims Act.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, “By falsely certifying that services provided to patients are medically necessary, healthcare providers deplete the resources available to Medicare beneficiaries who are actually in need of care.” He emphasized the commitment of his office to pursue those who engage in fraudulent activities against Medicare.
Kelly J. Blackmon from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) remarked on the situation: “Providers who knowingly submit unreasonable and medically unnecessary claims prioritize personal profits over their duty to patients and federal health care programs.” She assured continued efforts to investigate fraudulent billing practices that affect federal health care programs.
Paul Brown from FBI Atlanta added that it is crucial for patient care under federally-funded healthcare programs to be driven by clinical needs rather than financial motives. He confirmed ongoing collaboration with partners to ensure accountability among providers.
The allegations involve Dr. Burkich billing Medicare for edetate calcium disodium (EDTA), a drug intended for lead poisoning cases only, between September 2009 and January 2017. It is claimed he misrepresented patient conditions to secure reimbursements from Medicare despite existing restrictions against such practices without valid medical justification.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia pursued legal action under the False Claims Act against Dr. Burkich and his practice in a case titled United States v. Burkich et al., No. 1:19-cv-03510-MLB (N.D. Ga.).
A settlement was achieved based on the Department of Justice’s ability-to-pay guidelines after evaluating Dr. Burkich's financial capacity through detailed analysis procedures required by these guidelines. As part of this resolution, Dr. Burkich and his practice will jointly pay $700,000 as restitution to Medicare.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony DeCinque and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paris Wynn handled this litigation matter.
It is important to note that these resolved claims remain allegations without any established liability determination.
For more information regarding this case or related inquiries, contact can be made with the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone at (404) 581-6280.
