OB-GYN Sentenced for Role in Defrauding TRICARE
OB-GYN Sentenced for Role in Defrauding TRICARE
Alabama OB-GYN defrauded TRICARE, a Department of Defense Military Health System that pays for medical treatments and supplies, of more than $200,000.
Dr. John Cimino is a physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of Alabama with a primary specialty in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Cimino practiced at the Center for Women’s Healthcare in Huntsville, Alabama which billed TRI CARE for treatment rendered to beneficiaries of the program. Dr. Cimino allegedly received kickbacks from a compounding pharmacy. TRICARE is a Department of Defense Military Health System that pays for medical treatments and supplies.
Numerous patients were interviewed and stated that they did not receive or did not request the medication billed on their behalf.
Dr. Cimino was sentenced to 3-years probation with 8-months home confinement. Dr. Cimino was also ordered to pay almost $245,000 in restitution.
He was caught up in a wave of arrests made by federal authorities in April of 2019. Those agents were investigating various alleged crimes including fraud and over prescription of opioids at doctor’s offices around the country.
Approximate date(s) of the diversion:
10/01/2014
Where the Diversion Occurred:
Center for Women's Healthcare
204 Lowe Ave SE #11, Huntsville, AL 35801
Type of Healthcare Facility:
Outpatient Clinic or Health Center
Person Diverting:
John Cimino and Katherine Barnett
Profession of the person diverting:
Doctor
Patients were injured. Were they infected, filed lawsuits, or died as a result of this diversion incident?
Did not receive pain medications
Has the incident been reported?
e.g. to local law enforcement, county board of health, state licensure board, and/or federal DEA or FDA authorities?
Yes
To whom has the incident been reported?
Local Law Enforcement, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Board of Health (State, Regional, County or Local)
Publicly available news reports about the incident: