Massachusetts dentist settles allegations of kickback scheme

Boston — A dentist and dental practice in Canton, Massachusetts offered a customer rewards program that resulted in allegations of operating an illegal kickback scheme in violation of state law, according to a news release from the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General Maura Healey. The dentist and dental practice reportedly agreed to pay $135,000 to settle the kickback allegations.

According to the news release, from October 2014 through December 2017, Dr. Nathaniel Chan and his practice Advanced Dental Arts provided monetary incentives and raffle prizes that included Apple TVs, Boston Red Sox tickets and gift cards ranging from $25-100. According to the news release, this kind of incentive may encourage patients to book or refer medically unnecessary appointments paid for by the state’s Medicaid program.

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