Doctor pleads guilty to role in pharmacy scam

TAMPA — Anthony Baldizzi, a medical doctor practicing in Pinellas County, has pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges that could land him in prison for up to 10 years.

According to the plea agreement, Baldizzi, 54, of Largo, wrote prescriptions for compounded creams for scars and pain, among other things. The creams, many of which were prescribed to beneficiaries of the federal TriCare benefit program, cost between $900 and $21,000 for a one-month supply.

But beginning in May 2014, Baldizzi, authorities contend, entered into a conspiracy with the owners of Lifecare Pharmacy, a Pinellas County-based compounding pharmacy, and the principals of Centurion Compounding Inc., a Pasco County-based marketing firm that promoted compounded creams.