Allegations of Psychiatrist Kirk Hopkins Billing Medicaid and Medicare Over $5.5 Million

CHICAGO — Psychiatrist Kirk Hopkins allegedly earned more than $5.5 million by falsely billing Medicaid and Medicare for psychotherapy services that were never performed. He was discovered amonst several Chicago-area medical practitioners accused of fraud. 

 

Hopkins pleaded not guilty to five counts of wire fraud during his arraignment Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Joan H. Lefkow. A status hearing is set for July 25, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri H. Mecklenburg. Substantial investigative assistance was provided by the Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau – North. 

 

The enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the DOJ Criminal Division Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit, in conjunction with the Medicare Fraud Strike Force – a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG. The operation includes the participation of the DEA, DCIS, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

 

“Health care fraud is a betrayal of vulnerable patients, and often it is theft from the taxpayer,” said Attorney General Sessions. “In many cases, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists take advantage of people suffering from drug addiction in order to line their pockets. These are despicable crimes. 

 

Robert Lewis, "National Healthcare Fraud Takedown Results In Charges Against Over 600 Individuals, Including Several Chicago-Area Medical Professionals," Wisc24, 28 June 2018, http://www.wisc24.com/official/neighbours/illinois/crimejustice/national-healthcare-fraud-takedown-results-in-charges-against-over-600-individuals-including-several-chicago-area-medical-professionals-283608.html