Telemedicine company owner sentenced to 20 years in Medicare fraud case
DOJ says TelevisitMD owner Christopher Harwood received a 20-year prison sentence in a scheme that generated $46.2 million in fraudulent Medicare claims.
What the record says
The Justice Department’s October 23 release says Harwood pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. DOJ describes telemarketing that targeted Medicare patients for unnecessary orthotic braces and genetic tests, along with payments to doctors for orders without meaningful patient interactions. Medicare paid about $17.9 million on the claims, according to the release.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Be cautious about unsolicited offers of Medicare-covered equipment or tests and discuss medical needs with a trusted treating clinician.
Limits and what is not established
The $46.2 million figure is the amount of fraudulent claims described by DOJ, rather than the amount Medicare paid. This report concerns this defendant’s sentencing and does not imply wrongdoing by telemedicine services generally.
Sources checked October 23, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
U.S. Department of Justice: original information