A Massachusetts practice manager convicted of committing $245,000 in Medicaid fraud, pulling a patient's tooth without having a dental license, and other charges has been sentenced, according to a press release dated February 26 from the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General.
Fritz Gabriel, 71, who worked as a manager at Forest Hills Dental in Dorchester, MA, was sentenced to five years in prison. Following an eight-day trial, Gabriel was found guilty on February 17 of one count of Medicaid false claims, one count of larceny over $1,200, one count of unlicensed practice of dentistry, and one count of illegally prescribing controlled substances.
Additionally, Gabriel was placed on probation for two years following jail time and ordered to pay restitution to MassHealth for an amount that will be determined during a hearing in April, according to the press release.
In May, Gabriel and the practice were indicted for reportedly billing MassHealth for numerous dental services, including extractions, root canals, and fillings, that patients never received. Subsequent dental exams and x-rays proved the services were not performed.
Additionally, the practice reportedly billed MassHealth for dental services provided by Gabriel, who is not a licensed dentist, that must be performed by a licensed dentist. In one instance, Gabriel is accused of performing an extraction on a MassHealth patient, leaving an exposed root in her mouth. Ultimately, the woman required considerable follow-up treatment.
In total, about $245,000 in reimbursements were fraudulently obtained from MassHealth.
Also, Gabriel purportedly issued prescriptions, including ones for controlled substances like hydrocodone, using the registration number and credentials of a dentist without that clinician’s knowledge or authorization. It is illegal for any dental professional other than dentists to prescribe medication.
