A Saginaw physician, Dr. James Carthron, is set to face trial on 23 counts of Medicaid fraud, as announced by Attorney General Dana Nessel. The charges stem from allegations that Dr. Carthron repeatedly billed Medicaid for phone consultations that never took place. These fraudulent activities allegedly occurred between May 31 and September 27, 2024. Dr. Carthron, who previously operated PRN Urgent Care in Saginaw, was arraigned in August 2025 in East Lansing's 54-B District Court. Each count of Medicaid fraud carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine. This case is being handled by the Attorney General's Health Care Fraud Division, which is Michigan's federally-certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The division receives 75% of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the remaining 25% funded by the state of Michigan. The trial's next steps include an assignment of a judge in the 30th Circuit Court, with no additional court dates set yet. This case highlights the importance of safeguarding public healthcare programs from fraud and the commitment of the Attorney General's office to hold accountable those who exploit such programs.
