Dentists say minor clerical errors draw massive fines
A new auditing system is causing dentists who treat low-income patients under the MaineCare program to incur big fines, even for minor clerical errors in their reimbursement claims.
The state adopted the auditing system to comply with the federal Affordable Care Act. The system pays auditors working for a private contractor more for each mistake they discover, the Portland Press Herald reported.
“It’s almost to the level of ‘You forgot a comma,’” Michael Dowling, co-owner of Falmouth Pediatric Dentistry, told the paper, saying his practice has been fined a “substantial” amount.
Some dentists have said they will have to stop treating patients in the program or reduce their services if the fines are upheld on appeal. Dentists have met with officials of Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, which administers MaineCare, to contest the fines.
DHHS officials did not respond to requests for comment by the newspaper. Rep. Richard Farnsworth, D-Portland, said fines so far total about $800,000 statewide, and some clinics have been slapped with more than $200,000 in penalties.
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