Sonny Saggar, MD, 57, was also ordered to repay more than $740,000, according to a Feb. 19 Justice Department news release.
Dr. Saggar was sentenced after pleading guilty in August to one count of conspiracy. He admitted that while operating St. Louis General Hospital locations in the city and Creve Coeur, Mo., he and his office manager hired assistant physicians to see patients but billed federal healthcare programs as if he had seen them.
The office manager, Renita Barringer, 51, pleaded guilty in December to one count of conspiracy. She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22.
Dr. Saggar and Ms. Barringer caused Medicare and Medicaid to lose $742,528, according to the release.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.