New Haven Oral Surgeon Pays $252K to Settle False Claims Allegations

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ROBERT SORRENTINO, DDS and ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGICAL ASSOCIATES P.C. have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments and have agreed to pay more than $252,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the federal and state False Claims Acts.

Sorrentino is the former owner and operator of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Associates P.C., (“OMSA”), a dental practice in New Haven.  Sorrentino sold his practice and retired in November 2014.

The allegations against Sorrentino and OMSA involve fraudulent billing to Medicaid for oral surgery and maxillofacial services.  The services include deep sedation or general anesthesia services, which were not provided, and the removal of bone or tissue, which were either not performed or were encompassed in services covered under claims for extractions that Sorrentino and OMSA submitted for the same date of service.  The services also include surgical reduction of osseous tuberosity, which were not performed or were medically unnecessary.

To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Sorrentino and OMSA have agreed to pay $252,913.26 in order to reimburse the Medicaid program, which covers conduct occurring from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011.

Under the federal False Claims Act, the government can recover up to three times its actual damages, plus penalties of $11,181 to $22,363 for each false claim.

This matter was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.  The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Thidemann, and Assistant Attorney General Robert Teitelman of the Attorney General’s Office.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS or the Health Care Fraud Task Force at (203) 777-6311.