Care Complete Medical Clinic
The Care Complete Medical Clinic (also called Complete Care Medical Clinic) was a private allergy and pain management clinic located at 1300 Bessemer Road. It was incorporated in 2013 by Doctor Patrick Ifediba and operated by him and his wife, Uchenna. They both earned their medical degrees in Nigeria.
A complaint was filed with the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners against Patrick Ifediba in 2015, alleging improper prescribing of controlled substances. The clinic was searched by agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency in October 2016. Prosecutors moved to seize more than $2 million in assets relating to their investigation in March 2017. In April 2018 the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama announced a multi-count indictment against the Ifedibas, his sister, Ngozi Ozuligbo and one other associate for health care fraud conspiracy and drug distribution conspiracy.
Patrick Ifediba and Ngozi Ozuligbo were convicted at trial in 2019. Ifediba was sentenced to 30 years and Ozuligbo to 3 years. Their sentences were upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in August 2022.
References
- Yurkanin, Amy (March 22, 2017) "Feds move to seize $2 million from Alabama doctors accused of fraud, excessive prescribing." The Birmingham News
- Hrynkiw, Ivana (April 4, 2018) "Doctors charged with conspiracy, money laundering, in Birmingham 'pill mill'." The Birmingham News
- Koplowitz, Howard (July 16, 2019) "Doctor, sister found guilty in Birmingham pill mill, Medicare fraud case." The Birmingham News
- Yurkanin, Amy (August 29, 2022) "Alabama pill mill doctor’s sister said she obeyed him due to Nigerian cultural norms; sentences upheld." The Birmingham News