Podiatrist sentenced to five years of probation for phony painkiller prescription scheme (PA)

Posted on May 22, 2008 by Michael Quinn

Stuart Deitcher, D.P.M., a podiatrist from Reading, Pennsylvania was sentenced to five year of probation for writing  phony prescriptions to obtain painkillers for himself.

Dr. Deitcher’s license to practice podiatric medicine has been suspended, and according to his attorney his licensee status will come  before a state review board.



the investigation began after reports that the doctor had difficulty standing and walking, recognizing members of staff, slurred speech, frequently dropping items, falling asleep and appeared confused and unable to perform his duties.

The investigation further revealed that on least one hundred occasions Dr.  Deitcher prescribed large amounts of hydrocodone, a painkiller to himself. Deitcher prescribed hydrocodone for himself and had the prescriptions filled at a local pharmacy.  Deitcher had received nearly 40,000 doses of hydrocodone from medical supply companies over four years.

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Podiatrist pleads guilty in drugs-for-sex case (Illinois)

Posted on April 9, 2008 by Michael Quinn

A disciplinary action is violation of the podiatrist's ethical code of conduct.  The professional ethical code governs  professional conduct for those within the organization in order to provide guidelines and/or rules by which the podiatrist is expected to practice.  

The American Podiatric Medical Association (A.P.M.A.) sets forth a Code of Ethics (2005) that governs areas such as  physician patient relationship, billing, and standards of practice.  Although not malpractice per se, many times unethical conduct on part of a podiatrist may reveal elements of an underlying malpractice action.   In addition, some disciplinary actions against a podiatrist may lead to and support a criminal case against the doctor, such as found in the following case. 

Clearly, not only is an intimate relationship with a patient violative of the Code, but the exchange of intercourse for narcotics and taping the encounters, would constitute violations of the code as well.    For instance, yesterday,

a podiatrist in Illinois who had been accused of providing prescription painkillers to patients in exchange for sex—and illegally recording the encounters—was sentenced Wednesday to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug and eavesdropping charges.

Under a deal with prosecutors, Dr. Steven P. Loheide, 64, of Algonquin pleaded guilty in Kane County Circuit Court to one count of illegal delivery of a controlled substance and three counts of illegal eavesdropping.

Loheide, who had offices in East Dundee, also agreed to never again practice medicine.

"I consider your conduct in this case an enormous betrayal of your trust as a physician," Judge Donald Hudson said.
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