By: Christopher A. Parrella, Esq., CPC, CHC, CPCO
Parrella Health Law, Boston, Ma.
A Health Law Defense and Compliance Firm

The Attorney General’s Office has indicted Fritz Gabriel, 69, of Milton, and Forest Hills Dental, managed by Gabriel, for Medicaid fraud, unlicensed dentistry, and assault and battery. The indictments, issued by a Suffolk County Grand Jury on May 20, 2024, allege that Gabriel and Forest Hills billed MassHealth for services not provided or performed by Gabriel, who is not a licensed dentist. This fraudulent activity allegedly resulted in approximately $245,000 being wrongfully obtained from MassHealth.

The charges include Medicaid False Claims, Larceny Over $1,200, Assault and Battery, and Unlicensed Practice of Dentistry. Among the accusations, Gabriel purportedly performed an extraction that left a MassHealth member with an exposed root, necessitating extensive follow-up care.

Assistant Attorneys General Sean Hildenbrandt and Heidi Gosule, along with Investigations Supervisor Dean Bates and Investigator Kathleen Tansey from the AGO’s Medicaid Fraud Division, are handling the case. They received substantial assistance from MassHealth, DentaQuest, and the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For healthcare providers, compliance with MassHealth Medicaid rules and regulations is critical. At Parrella Health Law, we offer guidance to ensure your practice adheres to all legal requirements, preventing costly sanctions. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at 857.328.0382 or email me at cparrella@parrellahealthlaw.com.

Christopher Parrella, ESQ, CPC, CHC, CPCO, is the founding partner of Parrella Health Law in Boston, Mass. The firm focuses exclusively on healthcare defense and compliance matters. Chris also travels the country on behalf of a wide range of healthcare organizations, lecturing on a variety of health care enforcement and compliance topics. Chris is one of a handful of health care attorney’s that are also Certified Professional Coders (CPC) and is a member of the AAPC’s National Legal Advisory Board and Ethics Committee.  He is also a Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) and Certified in Health Care Compliance (CHC.)