A Memphis podiatrist found himself on the wrong foot of the law after being convicted in a $4 million foot bath fraud scheme. Nathan Lucas, D.P.M., who is 59 years old and operated Advanced Foot & Ankle Care of Memphis LLC, was found guilty by a federal jury of defrauding Medicare and TennCare through bogus treatments, according to the Department of Justice.

Lying through his teeth, and prescriptions, Lucas prescribed unnecessary drug mixtures to be used in foot baths, capsules, and powders which were often not water soluble, officials said. This fraudulent practice led to nearly $4 million in claims to Medicare and TennCare between October 2018 and September 2021, where over $3 million were paid out to Lucas’s pharmacies. Lucas dispensed these pricey concoctions based on the payout they'd generate rather than their medical necessity.

Moreover, the jury didn't just tap Lucas with a light slap on the wrist; he was convicted on five counts of healthcare fraud. With sentencing set for June 20, Lucas is potentially facing up to 10 years behind bars for each count, a steep fall for the once-trusted foot doctor.

The case was investigated by the HHS Office of Inspector General and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The announcement came from Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, along with U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz, Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles, and TBI Director David Rausch, all determined to put a stop to Lucas’s scheme. Sara E. Porter and Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Fraud Section's Criminal Division are credited with prosecuting the case.

Lucas's conviction is a step in a larger battle against healthcare fraud as the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which has charged over 5,400 defendants since 2007, continues its mission. Those charged have billed federal health care programs and private insurers upwards of $27 billion. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, together with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold such fraudulent providers accountable.