Dental Law

A Review of Dental Enforcement in 2021 and a Look at What Dentists Should Expect in 2022

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(February 22, 2022): The treatment and business challenges presented by COVID-19 over the last two years have been especially demanding on dentists and their practices. Between the lockdowns and a hesitancy by many individuals to schedule non-emergent dental care, many dental practices have found it tougher than ever to maintain previous levels of profitability. Not […]

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Overview of Dental Claims Audits and Investigations by Medicaid and Private Payors in 2019

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(March 4, 2020): Many dentists and dental practices around the country are glad that 2019 is behind us.  Last year was a banner year for law enforcement investigators and administrative auditors of dental claims.  Federal and State prosecutors around the country actively pursued both civil and criminal cases against individual dentists for a variety of

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SIU Dental Audit Reviews by DentaQuest, Delta Dental and Cigna Can Ultimately Lead to Criminal Prosecution and Imprisonment.  Are Your Dental Office’s Medical Necessity, Documentation, Coding and Billing Practices Compliant?

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(October 16, 2019): A Federal District Court Judge recently sentenced a Murfreesboro, TN dentist to prison and ordered that he pay restitution to TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program). Regrettably, the types of improper billing practices cited by the government in the criminal Information filed against the defendant dentist aren’t that uncommon. This recent prosecution serves as

SIU Dental Audit Reviews by DentaQuest, Delta Dental and Cigna Can Ultimately Lead to Criminal Prosecution and Imprisonment.  Are Your Dental Office’s Medical Necessity, Documentation, Coding and Billing Practices Compliant? Read More »

The Dangers of Billing Payors for the Services of a Non-Credentialed Dentist / Non-Participating Dentist

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(August 17, 2019): Over the last year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of Medicaid and private insurance audits of dental claims. A common trigger for these audits included instances in which a practice improperly billed for the services of a non-credentialed dentist while using the identification number of a credentialed provider.

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Aetna’s SIU is Actively Auditing Dental Claims. Are Your Dental Services Compliant with Applicable Regulatory and Contractual Requirements?

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(January 3, 2019): Slowly but surely, the percentage of adults and children with dental insurance coverage benefits has gradually climbed. These increases have been driven, at least in part, by several factors. First, despite the fact that traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental services, a number of Medicare Advantage plans are now offering coverage

Aetna’s SIU is Actively Auditing Dental Claims. Are Your Dental Services Compliant with Applicable Regulatory and Contractual Requirements? Read More »

Mobile Dentistry in Texas – An Overview of Regulatory Risk Areas to be Considered

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(December 7, 2018): Each state sets their own licensure requirements, rules and regulations regarding the practice of dentistry, all of which are subject to change. While there are differences from state to state, the approach taken by most states with respect to the practice of dentistry is fairly consistent. After conducting a review of several

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Investigations of Medicaid Dental Fraud in Texas

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(July 1, 2014): Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating and prosecuting health care providers for crimes based upon allegations of Medicaid dental fraud in Texas. When looking for fake billing to the Medicaid program, investigators have historically targeted hospitals and doctors, but increasingly dentists have come under watch. In Texas, new measures have been adopted

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Dentist Indicted on Nearly 200 Counts of New Hampshire Medicaid Dental Fraud

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(January 3, 2014): A 57-year-old Queen City, New Hampshire dentist has recently been charged with 189 counts of Medicaid dental fraud. As a result, he could face many years in prison. The New Hampshire Medicaid program is a joint federal and state-funded health care program that serves individuals and families in that state who meet

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Dentist Alleged to Have “Systematically Bilked” MassHealth Dental Fraud Scheme

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(December 23, 2013): A recent state audit of a Massachusetts dentist has reportedly uncovered numerous instances of MassHealth dental fraud, alleging that dentist fraudulently billed the state’s “MassHealth Insurance Program”. According to the state’s auditor, the dentist “systematically bilked the MassHealth Dental Program”. In all, the audit claims to have found over $150,000 in improper

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Hospital Outpatient Dental Services are Being Audited

Dental Audits & Compliance /

(December 4, 2013): Generally, Medicare does not cover hospital outpatient dental services. Under the general exclusion provisions of the Social Security Act, items and services in connection with the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting the teeth (e.g., preparation of the mouth for dentures or removal of diseased teeth

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