Doctor Pleads Guilty In Health Care Fraud Case

Dr. Jerry Haskin entered the plea Friday before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk.

Haskin, according to a second superseding indictment, participated in a criminal organization for the purpose of fraudulently billing Medicare and Medicaid. Patients went to clinics for tests that were not performed and not medically necessary. The doctors gave the patients prescriptions for drugs, usually narcotics, for their cooperation.

Haskin faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 24, 2013.

Nine other doctors and four New Orleans-area clinics have already pleaded guilty in the case and most are awaiting sentence.