One by one, dozens of patients showed up for their appointments only to be turned away. Not only did that leave many patients without their medications, but it also left many with an uneasy feeling.
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The 'open' sign hanging in the door of Med First proved to be misleading Tuesday.
Inside the pain management clinic was a group of agents from the DEA and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Indiana Attorney General's Office.
Not only did the joint raid result in agents seizing boxes and boxes of paperwork but it also left patients concerned and confused.
"What the hell is going on," said Jacqueline Truitt, a patient of Med First. "It makes me a little worried, yes."
Many patients walked through the front door for their appointments only to find a federal agent guarding the way. The agents told them to re-schedule their appointments. Left to sit and wait, the news tested the patience of these patients.
"I've been on disability for about 12 years and have had 16 operations and [Med First] gives me the pain medication I need to live a comfortable life," said one patient. "If I don't, I'll be going through withdrawals."
Federal authorities would not comment on the raid other than confirming the raid did, in fact, happen.
Patient after patient eventually figured that out.
Med First employs four nurse practitioners and a full time physician, Dr. Diane Crowley.
"She seems like a real nice woman," said Billy Travis. "I don't think she did anything knowingly."
The joint investigation will determine what -- if anything -- was going on behind the glass doors at Med First. In the meantime, these patients hope the next time they come for an appointment an armed guard won't be the first thing they see.
***As for the point and purpose of the raid, federal officials would not elaborate. However, a spokesperson for US Attorney Joe Hogsett says the results of the investigation will be released in the near future.
