Signs Your Dentist May Be A Fraud!

New Jersey (PRWEB) October 11, 2012

Catrise L. Austin, D.D.S. is providing free tips on how to decipher if a person’s dentist is trustworthy or not. Dr. Austin, who is licensed in New York and California, says she is “astonished” by the amount of headlines that have been recently dedicated to fraud in the dental industry. For example, Dentist Joyce Trail, 48, was jailed for conning 1.5 million out of government resources in England by pretending she had fitted dentures to dead patients, according to The Daily Mail. In the U.S., Roben Brookhim of New Jersey is being held on $75,000 bail after being charged with unlicensed practice of dentistry, identity theft and heath care claims fraud. And, there are more stories like this world-wide. http://www.njherald.com/story/19735140/nj-man-accused-of-using-dead-dentists-identity

“I know people are busy but research can prevent a lot of the fraud in today’s dental market,” said Catrise L. Austin, D.D.S. “Taking the time to check on Angie’s List, Yelp, or alike consumer-friendly websites really speaks volumes about a dentist’s character. And, running an actual criminal background check is helpful too. It may sound extreme, but your health- even when it comes to your teeth- is worth it!”

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), “In May, it was announced that Gary F. Anusavice, and Mehran Zamani, DDS were arrested on federal charges related to their alleged involvement in a $20 million Medicaid fraud scheme. As alleged, these operators of dental practices throughout Connecticut defrauded the Medicaid program of more than $20 million over a two-year period,” said U.S. Attorney Fein. http://www.fbi.gov/newhaven/press-releases/2012/dental-practice-operators-charged-in-20-million-medicaid-fraud-conspiracy

“There are so many cases of dental fraud right now that people really have to be careful about who they entrust with their well-being,” continued Dr. Austin. “The biggest way to prevent fraud, even from a dentist that you may been seeing for years, is to take the time to review and know your insurance information and what it covers. Look at billing statements and insurance claim statements to make sure that your dentist is requesting compensation for services that were actually performed. If something looks off, question it!”

Dr. Austin writes a FREE dental blog, which can be easily accessed on her company’s website by clicking here: http://nyccgd.com/

ABOUT: Dr. Catrise Austin is an award-winning dentist and columnist who has solidified her reputation in her field with national radio as well as national TV appearances on The Discovery Health Channel, “Today Show”, “Good Morning America,” and VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop”, among others. Dr. Austin is available for local and national interviews, as well as speaking engagements on dental health, HIV testing in the dental office, entrepreneurship, careers in dentistry, and improving your image with your smile.

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