Alan Andrew Beauchamp, Dallas-based Forest Park Medical Center’s co-founder and former manager, pleaded guilty in a $200 million healthcare fraud case. Beauchamp allegedly recruited high-volume specialty doctors and paid them $40 million in bribes and kickbacks to perform surgeries.
The scheme has led to indictments of more than 20 people.
Six of those charged—including Beauchamp, anesthesiologist Richard F. Toussaint, MD, and two chiropractors—have pleaded guilty to kickback scheme charges. Seven of the eight defendants, who are also physicians, have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors said the hospital’s owners mainly recruited bariatric and spinal surgeons because their surgeries generate the most money.
If convicted, Beauchamp faces a $250,000 fine and up to five years in prison. The case is set to go to trial Oct. 22.
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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.