Doctor charged over $6.8 million Medicare brace and telehealth scheme
A federal indictment accuses Dr. Edgard Salazar of billing Medicare for consultations that did not occur and braces patients did not need.
- Development
- 12 November 2026
- Coverage
- Breaking news
- Current status
- Developing case
- Source record
- 2 verified sources
What changed
A federal grand jury in South Florida indicted Dr. Edgard Salazar, 57, on charges of conspiracy and health-care fraud. Prosecutors allege that he participated in submitting more than $6.8 million in claims tied to telemedicine consultations and orthotic braces.
The public record separates what has been established from what remains contested. In a charge-based case, allegations are not findings and the defendant retains the presumption of innocence. In a plea or sentencing case, the admitted offense and the court's judgment define the result. This report uses those distinctions throughout and does not treat an accusation, indictment or investigative step as proof of guilt. Dates, amounts and procedural details are attributed to the cited records and may be refined by later court filings. [1] [2]
The underlying case
According to the indictment summary, TelevisitMD gave Salazar pre-filled prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries. Prosecutors allege he signed orders without examining patients and sometimes without speaking to them. They further say some beneficiaries said they did not want or need braces but prescriptions were still signed.
The public record separates what has been established from what remains contested. In a charge-based case, allegations are not findings and the defendant retains the presumption of innocence. In a plea or sentencing case, the admitted offense and the court's judgment define the result. This report uses those distinctions throughout and does not treat an accusation, indictment or investigative step as proof of guilt. Dates, amounts and procedural details are attributed to the cited records and may be refined by later court filings. [1] [2]
What the court record means
Salazar faces one conspiracy count and five substantive health-care fraud counts. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence, but any actual punishment would depend on a conviction, sentencing guidelines and judicial findings. The indictment is an allegation, and Salazar is presumed innocent.
The public record separates what has been established from what remains contested. In a charge-based case, allegations are not findings and the defendant retains the presumption of innocence. In a plea or sentencing case, the admitted offense and the court's judgment define the result. This report uses those distinctions throughout and does not treat an accusation, indictment or investigative step as proof of guilt. Dates, amounts and procedural details are attributed to the cited records and may be refined by later court filings. [1] [2]
What happens next
The case will proceed through arraignment, discovery and motion practice unless resolved by plea. Prosecutors linked the allegations to TelevisitMD owner Christopher Harwood, who previously pleaded guilty in a related matter. Salazar’s individual responsibility must be proved separately.
The public record separates what has been established from what remains contested. In a charge-based case, allegations are not findings and the defendant retains the presumption of innocence. In a plea or sentencing case, the admitted offense and the court's judgment define the result. This report uses those distinctions throughout and does not treat an accusation, indictment or investigative step as proof of guilt. Dates, amounts and procedural details are attributed to the cited records and may be refined by later court filings. [1] [2]
Sources & further reading
- New York Doctor Charged in $6.8M Medicare Fraud Scheme ↗U.S. Department of Justice · 2026-11-12 · Primary source
- New York physician charged in $6.8M Medicare brace scheme ↗Becker’s ASC Review · 2026-11-13
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