Ex-Wichita Chiropractors Plead Guilty in Healthcare Fraud Case

Two chiropractors from Wichita have been convicted in a staggering $3.7 million healthcare fraud scheme; the aftermath is yet to unfold.

At a Glance

Bradley and Todd Eck have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud.
Their fraudulent activities spanned from 2017 to 2019.
The scheme involved false billing and identity theft.

Conviction and Fallout

Bradley Eck, 54, and Todd Eck, 58, were brothers operating out of Wichita. Their fraudulent scheme resulted in over $3.7 million in fraudulent payments from Medicare and Tricare. Charges included conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, false statements, healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. They recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, marking a significant development in Kansas legal history.

For a period spanning between 2017 and 2019, the brothers misled healthcare systems on multiple counts. They created several businesses, misrepresented ownership, and submitted false billing for services not rendered. Moreover, they were accused of using a physician’s provider number without authorization, an act involving identity theft, enhancing the gravity of their actions.

Former Wichita chiropractors plead guilty in $3.7 million healthcare fraud scheme https://t.co/JAAhGkmoQo

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Complex Web of Deception

The intricacies of the scheme were further revealed with the involvement of unauthorized use of a physician’s electronic signature. Bradley and Todd Eck artfully perpetuated a web of deceit that saw fraudulent claims processed and undue payments made. Such sophisticated manipulation of healthcare documents placed the brothers against formidable charges.

Their indictment was a concerted effort by multiple federal bodies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the IRS. Such agencies are pivotal in preserving the integrity of healthcare financing systems, working tirelessly to unravel fraud schemes and uphold accountability.

Legal Proceedings and Prosecution

The prosecution of the case was spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Smith. The men were indicted back in August 2022 but pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charges this month. The plea agreement involves paying $3.4 million in restitution.

The Eck brothers are still awaiting sentencing but could spend up to five years behind bars. They are scheduled to learn their fates in January.