Telehealth Companies Face Repercussions for Medicare Fraud Scheme

David Santana, proprietor of Conclave Media and Nationwide Health Advocates, has entered a guilty plea in connection with a telehealth fraud scheme. This scheme involved the fraudulent ordering of unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME) for Medicare beneficiaries. Santana faced charges related to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and his admission implicated a substantial $44 million operation, which included the fraudulent ordering of DME such as braces and genetic tests. The fraudulent activities were carried out through Conclave and Nationwide, both owned by Santana, spanning from January 2018 to August 2021. Santana's collaboration with telemarketers targeting Medicare beneficiaries resulted in payments that were subsequently used for placing fraudulent DME orders. Falsified records indicated patient examinations, and these signed orders were transmitted to DME providers. The potential consequences for healthcare fraud, a serious offense, include a 10-year prison sentence, supervised release, and significant fines.