LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPEL News) - A Lake Charles doctor, his wife, and their medical clinic have agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve allegations of improper Medicare billing, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana.

Dr. Henry Goolsby, his wife and clinic co-founder Patricia Lenae Goolsby, and their business, Infinite Health Integrative Medical Center, allegedly billed Medicare for implanted neurostimulators that were never surgically implanted—a key requirement for reimbursement. Instead, the clinic applied “P-Stim” devices to patients’ ears in an office setting, despite Medicare not covering these devices.

What is the Alleged Medicare Fraud?

Between November 2018 and April 2020, Dr. Goolsby and Infinite Health billed Medicare for a surgical procedure that involves placing electrodes in a patient’s epidural space near the spinal cord. However, investigators say that instead of performing surgery, Dr. Goolsby used P-Stim devices, a small, acupuncture-based device that is affixed behind the ear with adhesive and designed for pain management.

Medicare does not reimburse for P-Stim or similar devices because they are considered acupuncture treatments, not surgically implanted neurostimulators. Despite this, the clinic allegedly billed Medicare as if these devices were legitimate surgical implants, leading to the False Claims Act violation.

Read More: Four Arrested in Louisiana for PPP Fraud | 

Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook condemned the fraudulent claims, stating:

“Falsely submitting claims for non-covered services and bilking Medicare out of needed funds is an abuse of our healthcare system. This type of fraud can be debilitating to the Medicare program, and we will continue to use all available tools to investigate and hold accountable anyone who defrauds federally funded healthcare programs.”

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) spearheaded the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to holding healthcare providers accountable.

“We remain dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of federal health care programs and protecting the individuals who depend on them by investigating schemes that compromise the proper use of medical devices,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of HHS-OIG.

What This Means for Louisiana Residents

This case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to combat Medicare fraud, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not misused. Louisiana residents, especially Medicare beneficiaries, should be aware of potential fraudulent billing practices and report any suspicious medical billing activities to authorities.

Healthcare Fraud: A Growing Concern

Medicare fraud cases like this are becoming more prevalent, with federal agencies increasing enforcement efforts across Louisiana and the U.S. Fraudulent billing not only wastes taxpayer money but also undermines trust in the healthcare system.

For Lake Charles residents, this case serves as a reminder to be vigilant about medical billing and services received. Patients should always verify that treatments match the services billed to Medicare or private insurance providers.

This case serves as a warning to other healthcare providers in Louisiana and across the U.S. that fraudulent billing will not go unnoticed. Federal agencies remain committed to holding medical professionals accountable for improper claims that drain taxpayer-funded healthcare programs.

Stay Informed

For more updates on healthcare fraud in Louisiana and beyond, follow the latest news and reports from HHS-OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. If you suspect Medicare fraud, you can report it to 1-800-MEDICARE or visit oig.hhs.gov.