KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A West Michigan doctor is facing charges after being accused of reusing medical equipment and fraudulently charging Medicare for healthcare services.
WWMT reports that obstetrics-gynecology Dr. Roger Beyer, M.D. is facing charges brought by the U.S. Justice Department for directing his employees to reuse anorectal devices that are only meant for one-time use, as well as committing healthcare billing fraud.
His wife Susan Wright, a nurse practitioner, is also facing charges in connection to the complaint.
Beyer is accused of telling staff members at his practices Women’s Health Care Specialists in Kalamazoo and Urological Solutions of Michigan to reuse rectal pressure sensors on patients during scheduled muscular rehabilitation therapy sessions. The therapy is carried out in a clinical setting for patients complaining of irregular and uncontrolled bowel movements.
The DOJ complaint also states that he directed workers at Women’s Health Care Specialists to reuse anorectal manometry catheters on multiple patients while carrying out a diagnostic study.
The medical equipment used to control bowel movements is only supposed to be used one time and then discarded according to Food and Drug Administration regulations.
In July 2019 Beyer shut down his practice, and his business manager at the Kalamazoo practice later pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud in December of last year. In a previous statement provided to WMMT the doctor claimed that he had done nothing wrong.
DOJ officials also claim that Beyer conspired to fraudulently bill Medicare for therapy services at his practices. He is accused of conducting inappropriately determined pelvic muscle rehabilitation therapy at Urological Solutions of Michigan to bring in more revenue.
Beyer’s wife Susan Wright is accused of knowing about the reuse of medical equipment and billing fraud and not reporting the incidents to authorities.
Both Beyer and Wright have signed plea agreements and are scheduled to have hearings on Friday, May 15th.
Prosecutors say that some patients who underwent pelvic muscle rehabilitation therapy at Beyer’s medical practices may have been exposed to pathogens.
They are encouraged to consult with their personal physician about possible testing for infectious disease.
