Rochester Radiologist Charged with Health Care Fraud

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Thomas Stephenson, M.D., 71, of Rochester, NY, was charged with heath care fraud. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Field, who is handling the case, stated that Stephenson is accused of submitting false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement to Excellus Health, MVP Health Care and Medicare for services that were not provided. Specifically, from 2007 to 2010, the defendant falsely represented on multiple occasions that he had performed and interpreted two x-rays when in fact he had only performed and interpreted single x-ray images. As a result, Stephenson fraudulently claimed reimbursements from the three health care plans in the amount of $183,279.30.

The defendant made an appearance before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. and is due back in court October 14, 2014, at 3:30 p.m.

The criminal charge is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.