Cranston Dentist Reprimanded for Billing Fraud

A Cranston dentist is being reprimanded and must reimburse the state Medicaid program $30,000 for billing irregularities and documentation problems, according to a signed consent order released by the Rhode Island Department of Health today.

Peter J. D'Allessandro of Ocean State Dental Group on Elmwood Avenue reportedly "failed to maintain adequate records to support and justify treatments," violating standards of conduct, according to the consent order.

D'Allessandro cooperated with the investigation and will receive a reprimand, putting him on probation for two years. State officials will randomly examine patient charts during unannounced visits to his practice to "insure compliance with minimum requirements for record-keeping and billing."

He also agreed to pay $30,000 to the state (including the Medicaid Program and Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Unit.) $10,000 will go to the fraud unit to cover investigation costs.

According to the consent order, the health department's Board of Examiners in Dentistry received a complaint against D'Allessandro "that certain billing by [D'Allessandro] to the state Medicaid program was insufficiently document.

The investigation was based on a review of claims and related medical documentation and it did "not sufficiently support certain of the claims for survives as billed by the Respondent to the state Medicaid program," the order states.

By signing the consent order, D'Allessendro agreed to give up his right to an appeal.