Former York Pain Clinic Owner Sentenced to Over Three Years for Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering

A former Pennsylvania pain management operator was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison following his conviction on charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, money laundering, and theft of public money. Rodney L. Yentzer, 55, who previously lived in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and now resides in Chuluota, Florida, was also ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution. The charges stem from fraudulent billing practices and the misuse of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

Yentzer admitted to orchestrating a scheme that defrauded Medicare by billing for medically unnecessary urine drug tests through a network of clinics he operated under the name Pain Medicine of York, also known as All Better Wellness. From mid-2017 to late 2019, Medicare paid over $4 million for these tests, which were routinely ordered regardless of medical necessity. The fraudulent activity extended to Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program and private insurers. The proceeds were used to purchase luxury items, including expensive jewelry, watches, vehicles, and home upgrades.

The clinic network, PMY, was linked to previously convicted physician John H. Johnson, who directed operations until his incarceration in 2017. Yentzer assumed control but continued Johnson’s practices, including regular, non-individualized drug testing. In addition, Yentzer facilitated payments and benefits to Johnson’s wife, Paula Z. Johnson, and others, concealing the financial benefits to prevent seizure for restitution purposes. These included large cash payments, vehicles, and contributions to family college savings plans.

In April 2020, months after PMY had shut down, Yentzer improperly obtained over $191,000 in federal COVID-19 stimulus money intended for active healthcare providers. These funds were allegedly used for unrelated personal expenses. Multiple individuals involved in the broader fraud scheme have been sentenced, including former PMY CEO Florentina Mayko and the Johnsons. Mayko received 30 months in prison, while John H. Johnson was sentenced to over eight years and Paula Z. Johnson received probation and home detention.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

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