Telephone Visits That Never Happened

A Michigan physician is facing multiple felony charges after state investigators alleged he billed Medicaid for healthcare services that were never provided. According to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, the physician submitted claims for dozens of telephone consultations between May and September 2024 that investigators say never occurred, resulting in fraudulent payments from the state’s Medicaid program.

The case centers on a former urgent care practice in Saginaw. Prosecutors allege the doctor repeatedly billed Medicaid for virtual and telephone visits that lacked supporting documentation and patient verification. Investigators identified 23 separate claims involving services that beneficiaries reportedly did not receive. Authorities say the fraudulent claims were submitted during a period when telehealth usage remained elevated, creating opportunities for bad actors to exploit remote care reimbursement processes.

The investigation was conducted by Michigan’s Health Care Fraud Division, which serves as the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Analysts reviewing billing records noticed irregular patterns involving repetitive service codes, unusually consistent call durations, and documentation discrepancies. A deeper review compared patient records, appointment schedules, and submitted claims, revealing substantial inconsistencies that prompted criminal charges.

“Millions of Michigan residents rely on Medicaid for critical healthcare services,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said when announcing the charges. “We must defend the program from fraud and those who seek to exploit it.”

Healthcare fraud remains one of the most expensive forms of public sector fraud because it often hides within vast volumes of legitimate claims. As agencies increasingly support telehealth and digital service delivery, robust verification measures become essential. Cross-checking provider activity, confirming patient engagement, and leveraging analytics to identify abnormal billing behavior can help agencies detect fraud before losses escalate.

The charges serve as a reminder that convenience and accessibility must be balanced with oversight. While virtual healthcare expands access for vulnerable populations, fraudsters continue looking for opportunities to exploit reimbursement systems that rely heavily on provider-submitted data.

Today’s Fraud of the Day is based on reporting from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office regarding Medicaid fraud charges announced in August 2025.