A Florida-based doctor pleaded guilty on March 23 in federal court in Boston to making false statements connected to a multi-million-dollar health care fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic testing and durable medical equipment.
The plea highlights ongoing concerns about fraudulent practices that can drive up costs for Medicare and undermine trust in the health care system. The case involves claims submitted for services that were not medically necessary, resulting in significant losses for the Medicare program.
Simon Grinshteyn, age 52, admitted guilt to one count of making false statements relating to health care matters. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley set sentencing for June 24. Grinshteyn was originally charged in January.
According to prosecutors, between February and June of 2020, Grinshteyn worked with a telemedicine company and signed medical documents—including doctors’ orders—for unnecessary genetic tests and equipment. These documents were pre-filled to make it appear as though he had provided real consultations and examinations when he generally did not contact the beneficiaries or have any provider-patient relationship with them. The signed orders led suppliers and laboratories to submit claims to Medicare totaling more than $3.1 million based on this false documentation.
The charge carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss—whichever is greater. Sentencing will be determined by federal guidelines and statutes governing criminal cases.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with officials from several agencies involved in investigating the case: Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; Federal Bureau of Investigations Boston Division; U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; Department of Labor Office of Inspector General; and Defense Criminal Investigative Service Northeast Field Office.