State chiropractor accused of insurance fraud

A Post Falls chiropractor has been indicted on 70 counts of insurance fraud in U.S. District Court.

Timothy Grothman, owner of Health Within Chiropractic Center, pleaded not guilty last week to federal charges that he billed insurance companies in Tennessee and elsewhere for dozens of services he didn’t perform.

Grothman, 52, is accused of double-billing, billing for services he didn’t provide, and charging new patient fees for examining existing clients between 1998 and 2003, according to court records.

Grothman’s lawyer, however, said Wednesday that the allegations are a mistake sparked by confusion over complicated records.

“Truth be told, it’s nothing but a medical code error,” said lawyer Mark Vovas, who called Grothman “a darn good doctor.”

Vovas added that the matter was abetted by what he described as “a couple of disgruntled employees.”

The indictment alleges that Grothman planned and executed a “scheme” to defraud several health care benefit programs, including Midwest National Life Insurance Co. of Tennessee and others.

It said that Grothman billed for therapy services that he didn’t provide, billed two or more insurance companies for services offered on the same date and billed for new patient exams while also billing another company for services to the same client.

Insurance companies included Midwest National Life Insurance; Blue Cross; United Healthcare and Safeco Washington L&I; One Beacon Insurance and AIG; and Blue Shield and Hartford.

Grothman holds an Idaho chiropractor’s license valid through Aug. 13, according to state licensing records.

Health Within Chiropractic Center was established in May 2002, state business registry records show.

Grothman’s case is set for trial June 10 before Judge Edward J. Lodge.

However, Grothman’s lawyer said he intends to ask for a postponement because of scheduling conflicts.

Grothman was released on his own recognizance.

His office was operating normally on Wednesday.