Reno OB-GYN Arrested for Health Care Fraud: What You Need to Know

RENO, Nev. — Dr. Samuel R. Chacon, an OB-GYN in Reno, was arrested on September 24, following a grand jury indictment. He is charged with health care fraud and eight counts of making false statements related to health care.

Chacon’s trial is set for November 18. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

According to the charges, Chacon is alleged to have submitted false claims for unnecessary gynecological tests and surgeries to health care benefits programs, some of which led to serious complications for patients. He owned the Women’s Health Center of Reno and previously had surgical privileges at local hospitals.

The indictment claims that from January 1, 2017, to November 22, 2022, Chacon submitted false claims to various health programs, including Medicaid and several private insurers, for procedures that were not medically necessary. These included procedures such as hysterectomies, bladder sling surgeries, and multiple other tests.

Chacon is also accused of altering patients’ medical records. He reportedly included symptoms that patients did not have and misled them about their diagnoses and the need for certain procedures. These unnecessary treatments are said to have caused harm to his patients.

Christopher Delzotto, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Las Vegas Division, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that those who exploit the healthcare system will face serious consequences. He noted the investigation highlights a troubling trend of fraud that undermines essential healthcare programs like Medicaid.

The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson.

Recent reports indicate that healthcare fraud is on the rise, with the FBI reporting a significant number of similar cases in the past few years. Experts in healthcare emphasize the importance of vigilance in healthcare practices to protect patients from potential harm.

Anyone who may have been affected or has additional information is encouraged to come forward.

For more on tackling healthcare fraud, you can refer to the FBI’s dedicated page.

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Dr. Samuel R. Chacon,Chacon