Man pleads guilty to health-care fraud

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A southwest Missouri clinical psychologist has admitted to causing federally funded health care programs to be billed for up to $30,000 in services that were never provided.

Forrest H. Braack, 52, of Richland, pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Springfield to two counts of health care fraud and one of Medicaid fraud.

Under terms of the plea, 10 other counts of health care fraud and 11 counts of Medicaid program fraud will be dismissed. Braack, who practices in the Waynesville area, was indicted on 24 counts March 1.

By pleading guilty, Braack admitted that in 1996 and 1997, he defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services. The total amount of loss by the programs is estimated at $10,000 to $30,000.

Braack faces a maximum of 25 years in prison without parole and up to $750,000 in fines when he is sentenced. Braack was free on bond, pending an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.