Reno OB-GYN Faces Court for Allegedly Defrauding Health Care Programs
TL/DR –
Dr. Samuel R. Chacon, an OB-GYN in Reno, has been accused of defrauding health care benefit programs by submitting false claims for unnecessary gynecological tests and surgical procedures, some of which allegedly resulted in severe medical complications. From January 1, 2017, to November 22, 2022, Dr. Chacon reportedly submitted false claims to various healthcare benefit programs for procedures that were not medically necessary and often falsified patients’ medical records to justify these procedures. He has been charged with one count of health care fraud and eight counts of false statements related to health care matters and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted.
Reno OB-GYN Faces Fraud Charges for Allegedly Submitting False Healthcare Claims
RENO – Dr. Samuel R. Chacon, a Reno-based OB-GYN, made his initial court appearance today, facing charges for allegedly defrauding healthcare benefit programs. The charges stem from submitting false claims for unnecessary gynecologic tests and surgical procedures, some leading to serious medical complications.
As per court documents, Dr. Chacon owned the Women’s Health Center of Reno and previously had surgical privileges at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Renown Regional Medical Center. The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2017, and November 22, 2022, he submitted false claims to a range of healthcare benefit programs such as Medicaid, Anthem Blue Cross, and Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions. These claims included non-medically necessary procedures and tests like hysterectomies and ultrasounds.
To further the alleged scheme, Dr. Chacon allegedly falsified patient records, adding symptoms and complaints that patients did not report. He misled patients about their diagnoses and the need for gynecologic procedures and tests. Some of these unnecessary procedures led to serious bodily injury.
Christopher S. Delzotto, Special Agent in Charge for the FBI Las Vegas Division, stated that the FBI is committed to holding healthcare fraudsters accountable. Delzotto highlighted the serious consequences of such fraudulent acts and reiterated the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice for victim patients and taxpayers.
A grand jury charged Dr. Chacon with one count of health care fraud and eight counts of false statements related to healthcare matters. His arrest took place today, and a jury trial has been scheduled for November 18, 2025, before US District Judge Anne R. Traum.
Should Dr. Chacon be convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuting.
If you believe you were victimized by Dr. Chacon or have relevant information, please fill out this form.
Please note: an indictment is simply an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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