Federal authorities on Monday announced charges against a local anesthesiology resident and a civil settlement with a Seattle-based medical provider, as part of a national crackdown on health care fraud.
Andrew Voegel-Podadera, 35, was charged with obtaining controlled substances by fraud after allegedly diverting fentanyl and other narcotics for personal use while treating patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview, and UW Medical Center.
Largest ever nationwide healthcare fraud takedown includes two cases from Western Washington - Criminal case against Anesthesiology Resident for drug diversion and civil case against a provider billing for unapproved treatments https://t.co/VaguWcSR09
— WDWAnews (@WDWAnews) June 30, 2025
In a separate case, Pinnacle Health PC agreed to pay over $1.1 million to settle allegations it billed federal programs for an unapproved injectable treatment, FlowerAmnioFlo, in violation of the False Claims Act.
The Justice Department said 324 people were charged nationwide, accused of $14.6 billion in false billings. More than $245 million in assets was seized.
“This record-setting takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
