August 29, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–Patricia J. Boshears, 48, formerly of Knoxville, Tenn., and current resident of Monticello, Ky., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to engaging in a scheme to defraud Medicare by falsely billing for physical therapy services that were not performed or supervised by a licensed physical therapist. Boshears previously owned and operated Total Rehab, Inc., and worked there as a physical therapy assistant.

Sentencing has been set for December 17, 2012, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas W. Phillips. Boshears faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, along with monetary penalties, including forfeiture and restitution.

As set forth in the plea agreement, Boshears admitted that from June 2009 through October 2010, she submitted reimbursement claims to Medicare for physical therapy services under the name and provider number of a physical therapist who no longer worked at Total Rehab. Boshears submitted these claims for payment without the knowledge or consent of that former physical therapist employee. The claimed “physical therapy” services were actually rendered by Boshears or other unsupervised non-physical therapist Total Rehab employees (namely, massage therapists and massage therapy students). Those “physical therapy” services billed to Medicare did not qualify for reimbursement, because they were not rendered by, or under the supervision, of a licensed physical therapist. Boshears’ scheme to defraud caused Medicare to sustain a loss of $68,096.27.

This case was investigated by Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Hamilton represented the United States.