A Massachusetts dentist recently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit healthcare fraud and one count of healthcare fraud.
Scott Cale, DDS, was charged in January 2020 along with Anthony DiStefano III, DDS, and Robin Cronin, the office manager of the dentists' practice.
MassHealth removed Dr. DiStefano was removed from the MassHealth program in 2005. After being denied readmission, Dr. DiStefano added Dr. Cale to his practice. From 2014-18, dental services completed by Dr. DiStefano were billed to MassHealth using Dr. Cale's provider credentials. Dr. Cale then paid Dr. DiStefano a portion of the money he received from MassHealth. Ms. Cronin, the office manager, knew about the arrangement and billed MassHealth for services, according to the indictment.
Charges against Dr. DiStefano were dismissed. Dr. Cale faces up to 10 years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, according to an April 14 news release from the Justice Department.