A Slidell doctor finds himself in the grip of the law, facing allegations of conspiracy to defraud Medicare through medically unnecessary genetic cancer tests. Dr. Robert Tassin, a 64-year-old physician, was charged on Monday with plotting to commit health care fraud, as disclosed by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. This charge came to light after the doctor's reported signing of doctors’ orders for tests on patients he had no prior interactions with.
According to a bill of information released by the Department of Justice, the independent contractor associated with several telemedicine companies allegedly authorized cancer genetic (CGx) tests for Medicare beneficiaries during an approximate window from February to September 2019. These beneficiaries were people whom Tassin had neither seen, spoken to, nor treated. His actions supposedly led to over $6.6 million in false and fraudulent claims being submitted to Medicare, of which more than $2 million was reimbursed. In return for his reviews and orders of these CGx tests, Tassin reportedly pocketed $30 per order, culminating in earnings of $106,757.
Tassin now faces the possibility of a hefty penalty for his actions. If convicted of these health care fraud charges, the outcome could be severe – up to ten years behind bars, a maximum of three years of supervised release following any prison term, and fines that could reach $250,000 on top of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
The intricate nature of this scheme highlights not just a betrayal of trust but a significant strain on the healthcare system, potentially undermining the very integrity of patient care and resource allocation. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson, in a statement on the case, has stressed that the charges are just accusations at this juncture. Simpson has been duly credited for his office's handling of the investigation, alongside commendations for the work of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The case, as it stands, is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kelly Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
