A federal jury on Tuesday convicted Dr. Benjamin Tekippe, 40, a New Orleans chiropractor, for orchestrating multi-million dollar health care and unemployment fraud schemes, officials announced.
Tekippe, owner of Metairie Chiropractic & Rehab, falsely advertised “free” chiropractic massages to patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) coverage, then billed over $2.3 million for services he never performed—often while he was on vacation or incarcerated.
He was reimbursed about $740,000 and fabricated patient records to cover up the fraud, officials stated.
Evidence showed he spent the proceeds on luxury goods and gambling.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tekippe also fraudulently claimed unemployment benefits while continuing to bill for chiropractic services, collecting nearly $13,000 in benefits he wasn’t entitled to.
He was convicted of six health care fraud counts and one wire fraud count.
Sentencing is set for July 17. Tekippe faces up to 70 years behind bars, according to authorities.
The Justice Department’s Fraud Section leads efforts to combat health care fraud through its Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program.
Officials stated that since 2007, the program—now active in 27 districts—has charged over 5,800 defendants linked to more than $30 billion in fraudulent claims.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and HHS-OIG are also working to hold providers accountable.