Rogue Valley Doctor Pays $115,000 in Medical Reimbursement Case

Grants Pass, Oregon — Dr. Wendell Heidinger, a medical practitioner in Grants Pass, and his general medical practice, Optimal Health of Southern Oregon, LLC (Optimal), have reached a settlement of $115,000 with the United States. The settlement addresses allegations concerning the submission of medical reimbursement claims to Medicare, TRICARE, and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

The investigation revealed that between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, Dr. Heidinger and Optimal submitted claims for reimbursement coded as “evaluation and management” to Medicare, TRICARE, and VHA, despite primarily providing frequency specific microcurrent (FSM) treatments. Notably, Medicare classifies FSM as an investigational treatment, for which it does not extend coverage or payment.

Medicare, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), serves as a vital public health insurance program. TRICARE, administered by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) within the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), provides civilian health care services. VHA, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, represents the largest integrated health care system in the nation, offering comprehensive care to American veterans.

The resolution of this case stems from a collaborative investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, the HHS Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

Representing the United States in this matter, Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla G. McClurg led the legal proceedings, supported by Lisa M. Re, Assistant Inspector General for Legal Affairs for HHS-OIG, and Salvatore M. Maida, General Counsel for DHA. The settlement underscores the commitment to upholding the integrity of medical reimbursement processes and ensuring compliance within the healthcare system.