Dermatology Clinics in North Georgia and Tennessee Searched by Federal Investigators

FANNIN COUNTY, Ga.- Federal and state law enforcement agencies conducted coordinated raids Wednesday at multiple dermatology clinics across North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, disrupting patient appointments and prompting questions about a potential ongoing investigation.

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were seen at several locations affiliated with Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center, a multi-site practice owned by Dr. John Y. Chung.

One of those centers was located in Fannin County, Georgia. Authorities also confirmed the involvement of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at a clinic in Chattanooga.

The center in Fannin County was a dermatology office off Riverstone Vista along Appalachian Highway in Blue Ridge. Witnesses said that federal agents arrived early in the morning, spoke with employees, and removed computers and documents from the building.

Patients arriving for scheduled appointments were turned away without prior notice.

Similar activity was reported at additional clinics tied to the practice, including a location in Chattanooga, indicating the operation spanned multiple jurisdictions.

Officials have not released details about the nature of the investigation. In a statement, Health and Human Services declined to comment, citing the possibility of an active case.

No arrests or charges had been announced as of today, Thursday, April 9.

The developments come after prior federal scrutiny of Chung’s practice. In 2023, Chung agreed to pay $6.6 million to resolve allegations involving improper billing practices related to Medicare and Medicaid.

The settlement was civil in nature and did not include an admission of criminal wrongdoing.

Repeated attempts to reach Chung for comment were unsuccessful.

The Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center operates numerous clinics throughout Georgia and Tennessee. It remains unclear how long the affected locations will be closed or how the investigation may impact ongoing patient care.

Authorities have not indicated when additional information will be released.