Delco Podiatrist Charged In $5M Medicare Fraud Scheme

A podiatrist from Broomall has been charged in a $5 million Medicare fraud scheme, United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announced Wednesday.

Stephen A. Monaco, 59, of was charged in connection with a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and four private victim insurance companies, Memeger said.

Monaco committed the fraud through his practice, A Foot Above Podiatry, Inc. in Havertown, authorities said.

According to information from the U.S. Attorney's office, between January 2008 and October 2014, Monaco submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid and four private victim insurance companies for podiatric procedures that were not provided, and podiatric procedures that were not performed, including injections, debridement (removal of dead, infected or foreign material to promote wound healing) and nail avulsions (removal of the entire or partial nail plate).

He also submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid and four private victim insurance companies for medically unnecessary procedures and services that were not reimbursable by Medicare or the other insurance carriers, authorities allege.

If convicted, defendant Monaco faces up to 10 years in prison, $5 million restitution, substantial fines and criminal forfeiture.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General.

It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys M. Beth Leahy and Jennifer B. Jordan.