logo
Hendersonville doctor, office manager indicted on federal charges for $20M in false medical insurance claims

Hendersonville doctor, office manager indicted on federal charges for $20M in false medical insurance claims

Yahoo01-07-2025
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Hendersonville medical doctor and her office manager are accused of defrauding Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield after billing $20 million for medical services that were never provided, according to the Department of Justice.
In a Monday press release, the Middle District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney's Office announced Dr. Xuhan Zhang, 62, — also known as Shelia Zhang and Xuhan Mei — and her office manager husband Jing Qi Mei, 65, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, false statements related to health care, aggravated identity theft, money laundering conspiracy and money laundering.
RELATED: More than 300 charged in $14.6 billion health care fraud schemes takedown, Justice Department says
From 2017 to 2025, Mei reportedly billed Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield approximately $20 million for inpatient hospital services allegedly provided by Zhang. The insurance programs paid out approximately $6.5 million of these claims.
Investigators found that the medical services were never provided because the hospitals mentioned in the claims were closed, or because the patients were deceased or in nursing homes. Additionally, the couple allegedly billed for services that lasted over 24 hours in one day.
Following the investigation, the government seized $6 million from bank accounts and a Tesla Cybertruck.
The investigation was part of the DOJ's recent health care fraud takedown, which brought charges against 324 people nationwide for over $14.6 billion in alleged fraudulent billings and the illegal diversion of more than 15.6 million controlled substance pills.

Robert E. McGuire, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, said in a press release, 'Our office will vigorously pursue those who would defraud American taxpayers by these illegal health care fraud schemes. The charges announced today are just our latest effort to crack down on health care fraud in the nation's health care capital. Nashville is a great place for honest health care business and a terrible place for those who would commit health care fraud.'
The case involving Zhang and Mei is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Robert Levine and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Bogni.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Immigration agent fires shots at vehicle with people inside in San Bernardino operation
Immigration agent fires shots at vehicle with people inside in San Bernardino operation

Yahoo

time27 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Immigration agent fires shots at vehicle with people inside in San Bernardino operation

San Bernardino police responded to what they described as "an officer-involved shooting" involving federal immigration officers Saturday morning. When police officers responded to the area of Acacia Avenue and Baseline Street shortly before 9 a.m., they encountered immigration agents who said they had fired at a suspect who then fled the scene. Soon after, according to the San Bernardino Police Department, a man — who has not been identified — contacted the dispatch center, saying that masked men had tried to pull him over, broke his car window and shot at him. He said he didn't know who they were and asked for police assistance. In a statement Saturday night, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said agents had been conducting a targeted enforcement operation in San Bernardino and said that "[Customs and Border Protection] officers were injured during a vehicle stop when a subject refused to exit his vehicle and tried to run them down." "In the course of the incident the suspect drove his car at the officers and struck two CBP officers with his vehicle," the statement read. Because of that, the official said, a CBP officer discharged his firearm "in self-defense." According to a press release from the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, federal agents broke the driver and passenger windows of the vehicle and fired three times. Video the group uploaded on Facebook appeared to capture the interaction, showing agents wearing "police" vests and shouting at those inside to roll down the window. "No la voy a abrir," the man said from inside, saying he wasn't going to open it. Soon after, the video captured the sound of shattering glass and what sounded like three shots being fired. The video showed a man wearing a hat with CBP on it. The video appears to show the vehicle move a short distance after the windows are smashed, but does not capture the driver striking the officers. "This was a clear abuse of power," the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice said in its release. "Firing at civilians, harassing families without cause, and targeting community voices must stop." According to the San Bernardino Police Department, officers later located the vehicle in the 1000 block of Mt. View Drive and made contact with the man, but they said it was unclear what federal agents wanted him for. "Under the California Values Act, California law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assisting federal officials with immigration enforcement, so our officers left the scene as the investigation was being conducted by federal authorities," police said in a news release. In a statement, a DHS spokesperson misidentified the police department, describing it as the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, and said local authorities had the man in custody but then set him free. "This decision was made despite the subject refusing to comply and wounding two officers — another terrible example of California's pro-sanctuary policies in action that shield criminals instead of protecting communities," the unidentified spokesperson said. At 1:12 p.m., federal officials requested assistance from the department because a large crowd was forming as they attempted to arrest the suspect, the police said. At that time, federal agents told police he was wanted for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. Police responded and provided support with crowd control, according to the department. The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice said in a news release that the agents didn't present a warrant and remained outside the home until 3:45 p.m., "pressuring the individual to come outside." The group added that two community members "were detained using unnecessary force, including one for speaking out." "Federal agents requested assistance during a lawful arrest for assaulting a federal officer when a crowd created a potential officer safety concern," the police department said in a statement. "This was not an immigration-related arrest, which would be prohibited under California law." Federal investigators are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, according to the police. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Key to Staying Sharp After 70, According to Experts
The Key to Staying Sharp After 70, According to Experts

Yahoo

time44 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

The Key to Staying Sharp After 70, According to Experts

Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, RD, CPT Key Points Social connection helps keep your mind sharp with age. Being social supports brain and immune function while connecting you to your community. Physical activity, quality sleep and good nutrition all support brain health. As we age, keeping our minds sharp becomes just as important as staying physically strong. After age 65, about 40% of older adults experience some form of memory loss, and among those over 70, roughly 16% face mild cognitive impairments, such as trouble remembering or finding the right words. Although genetics and preexisting medical conditions play a role in cognitive health and aging, lifestyle habits can make a big difference in keeping your mind engaged. While many lifestyle factors support cognition and brain health, recent research has found that your social life may play the biggest role. 'The best habit for staying sharp after 70 is staying socially connected, through conversation, community activities or simply spending quality time with others,' says Erica Park, M.D., M.B.A., FAAPMR. Read on to learn why experts say social connection is the key to staying sharp in your later years. Why Social Connection Is Key to Staying Sharp Whether it's meeting a friend for a walk, attending community events or hopping on a video call with family members, regular social interaction is crucial for mental sharpness. Here's why. It Supports Your Brain Structure and Function Older adults who rarely interact with loved ones and have low participation in the community are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 'Regular interaction helps reduce stress, supports memory and keeps the mind engaged,' says Park. Large long-term studies have found that people who are socially isolated have a 26% to 62% higher risk of dementia than those who stay socially connected. Brain scans reveal that these adults have less gray matter in brain regions that are responsible for memory and learning. These changes are linked to the underexpression of specific genes that protect against Alzheimer's disease and support healthy brain function. It Supports a Strong Immune System Though you may think of physical health and cognitive health as two separate things, they're closely intertwined. At the genetic level, loneliness causes an underexpression of anti-inflammatory genes and an overexpression of genes related to proinflammatory immune responses. This can decrease the body's ability to ward off illness and disease. A healthy immune system not only makes it easier to engage in other activities that support your brain and well-being, but it may also directly influence cognition. Recent research shows that poor immune function and heightened inflammation are associated with cognitive impairment, regardless if dementia is present. It Keeps Your Mind Engaged Every conversation or shared activity is like a mini workout for your brain. Whether you're learning a new card game, discussing the latest read with your book club, picking up a new skill for a community project or having a deep, thought-provoking conversation, you're engaging and strengthening areas of the brain that keep your mind sharp. One small study found that older adults who spent at least six weeks learning skills such as drawing, learning a new language or playing music experienced improvements in executive functions—like planning, organizing and problem solving—that lasted up to a year after the learning period. It May Keep You Active Regular physical activity has a strong relationship to better cognitive health. 'Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, supports memory and mood and keeps you socially connected if you're part of a group or team,' says Katie Schimmelpfenning, RDN. In fact, one study found active older adults had a 37% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to their inactive peers. The benefits go both ways, according to a recent study that found higher levels of social support increase physical activity among older adults, while being physically active fosters more socialization. So whether you meet a friend for a walk, take a yoga class or play a game of pickleball, you'll be sharpening your memory and thinking skills. How to Incorporate Social Connection If you're looking to boost your mental sharpness through connection, here are some ways to become a social butterfly. Join a Club or Class Reflect on skills or topics you've always wanted to learn—or activities you once loved—and find a way to make them happen. 'Join a local club or senior center, or participate in a group activity like a walking group, book club or community class,' suggests Park. These activities offer benefits beyond social connection, including physical activity, learning opportunities and a strong sense of purpose and community. Schedule Weekly Dates To hold yourself accountable and reduce decision fatigue about how you spend your time, schedule activities on your calendar. Whether you sign up for a weekly class, go for a morning walk with friends or plan a video chat with a loved one, you're more likely to stick with a habit when others are counting on you. Just be sure to start small and build at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. 'The more it becomes part of your weekly rhythm, the more natural—and beneficial—it will feel,' says Park. Pair It with Another Habit To get into the routine of scheduling and engaging in social activities, you may need to pair it with a daily habit you already do. 'I recommend pairing new habits with things you already do daily,' says Schimmelpfenning. For example, if you sit down at your computer every morning to check your email, spend a few minutes checking your community events calendar or FaceTime with a family member or friend. Other great ideas include running errands or doing household tasks like gardening with a friend, or going for a group walk after participating in worship services or another community gathering. Other Tips for Keeping the Mind Sharp Prioritize Physical Activity. Being physically active at least five times per week may provide the biggest cognitive benefits after 70. Just be sure to start small, emphasize safety and find activities you enjoy. Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Diet. Support your brain health by eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. 'Prioritizing nourishing, balanced meals with adequate protein, fruits and vegetables can help lower inflammation and prevent chronic disease with aging,' says Hennis Tung, M.S., RD. Continue Learning New Skills. Regularly using your mind is essential for keeping it sharp as you age. Participating in different fitness activities and exploring new topics all support improved cognitive function. Get Enough Sleep. There is a strong relationship between aging, poor sleep and cognitive decline. While the relationship between the three is not exactly clear, adults who prioritize sleep and address sleep problems like sleep apnea or insomnia may have added protection against cognitive decline. Our Expert Take Staying socially connected does more than just boost your mood—it's one of the most powerful ways to protect your brain as you age. Social interaction keeps your mind active, supports healthy brain structure, strengthens your immune system and often encourages other healthy habits like regular exercise. Whether it's joining a community group, calling a friend or finding a workout buddy, prioritizing social connection can help you stay sharper, healthier and happier well into your 70s and beyond. Read the original article on EATINGWELL

UNH stock: Why are UnitedHealth Group shares surging over 11% today? It's because of this big reveal
UNH stock: Why are UnitedHealth Group shares surging over 11% today? It's because of this big reveal

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

UNH stock: Why are UnitedHealth Group shares surging over 11% today? It's because of this big reveal

Shares in the troubled private health insurer UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) are currently seeing their best trading day in months. As of the time of this writing, UNH shares are up nearly 11.8% to $303.94 in premarket trading. The FDA is warning you not to use this cookware—it could be poisoning your food with lead Mark Cuban and Sam Altman just warned about disappearing jobs and the need to learn AI New study finds coffee is good for you, but there's a catch Yet the company, which is under federal criminal and civil investigations for alleged irregularities in its Medicare business, hasn't announced any fundamental changes to its business—no revised upward outlooks, or hints that its operational costs are decreasing. So why, then, are UNH shares surging this morning? It mainly comes down to one man: Warren Buffett. The Warren Buffett effect Warren Buffett is the most legendary investor in America, and when his company, Berkshire Hathaway, buys shares in another company, investors take notice. And that's exactly what's happened with UNH shares. In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Berkshire Hathaway revealed that the Warren Buffett-led firm acquired a significant position in UNH in June. As noted by CNBC, Berkshire Hathaway purchased more than 5 million shares of UNH in June, worth about $1.6 billion. Now that that stake has been revealed, other investors are buying into UNH, likely hoping both to ride the Warren Buffett effect, and also that Buffett is correct in whatever he saw in the stock that led Berkshire Hathaway to make such a large investment. One of the tactics Buffett, who is known as the 'Oracle of Omaha,' has used to buy stocks in the past is to invest in companies when they are down. It's a strategy many investors use: Buy stocks when they are depressed, hoping they will rise in the future when the company overcomes whatever challenges it is facing and investor sentiment warms. UNH shares have still had a horrible 2025 Of course, UnitedHealth Group is facing more challenges than most companies right now. After the killing of its subsidiary's CEO, UnitedHealthcare's Brian Thompson, in December 2024, there was large blowback from the American public against UnitedHealth. Americans under UnitedHealth plans voiced their frustrations about their difficulties in getting medical appointments or treatments approved by the private insurer, not to mention the crippling medical costs they face even if their treatments are approved. The private insurance giant has also faced rising costs as more elderly Americans who delayed elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic are now returning to hospitals to get surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements. In May, UnitedHealth Group's CEO, Andrew Witty, announced he was stepping down. And in July, the company confirmed that it was under federal criminal and civil investigations for alleged irregularities in its Medicare business, and also revised its 2025 full-year fiscal outlook downward. Before today's pre-market boost to its stock price, UNH shares had trended down for a long time. As of yesterday's market close, UNH shares were down over 46% year-to-date. Over the past 12 months, shares have been down over 53%. While the nearly 12% rise in UNH's share price this morning is giving the stock a much-needed boost, the company is still facing the same problems it was before Berkshire Hathaway's stake was revealed. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store