Petitioner: AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
Respondent: ALPHA DENTAL SERVICES, INC.
Judges: CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD
Agency: Agency for Health Care Administration
Locations: Tallahassee, Florida
Filed: Feb. 07, 2007
Status: Closed
Settled and/or Dismissed prior to entry of RO/FO on Friday, April 13, 2007.
Latest Update: Dec. 23, 2024
FILED
STATE OF FLORIDA _ ARCA
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION — AGENCY CLERK
AGENCY FOR HEALTH GARE 1001 JUN -1 A & Ob
ADMINISTRATION,
Petitioner,
vs. CASE NO. 07-648MPI z
C.I. NO. 07-5250-000 wk,
ALPHA DENTAL SERVICES, JUDGE CAROLYN S. H FIELD “
RENDITION NO.: AHCA“STCZAG -S2MDO 2.
Respondent.
/
FINAL ORDER
THE PARTIES resolved all disputed issues and executed a Settlement
Agreement. The parties are directed to comply with the terms of the attached
settlement agreement. Based on the foregoing, this file is CLOSED.
DONE and ORDERED on this the 4 day of Hare , 2007, in
Tallahassee, Florida.
Andrew C. Agwuriohi/M.D., Secretary
Agency for Health Care Administration
A PARTY WHO IS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THIS FINAL ORDER IS ENTITLED
TO A JUDICIAL REVIEW WHICH SHALL BE INSTITUTED BY FILING ONE COPY OF
A NOTICE OF APPEAL WITH THE AGENCY CLERK OF AHCA, AND A SECOND
COPY ALONG WITH FILING FEE AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW, WITH THE DISTRICT
COURT OF APPEAL IN THE APPELLATE DISTRICT WHERE THE AGENCY
MAINTAINS ITS HEADQUARTERS OR WHERE A PARTY RESIDES. REVIEW
PROCEEDINGS SHALL.BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FLORIDA
APPELLATE RULES. THE NOTICE OF APPEAL MUST BE FILED WITHIN 30 DAYS
OF RENDITION OF THE ORDER TO BE REVIEWED.
Copies furnished to:
William M. Blocker, II, Esquire
Jeffries H. Duvall, Esquire
Agency for Health Care Administration
(Interoffice Mail)
Jennifer Hammond, Esquire
Chaires Hammond, P.L.
Altamonte Lakeside Park
283 Cranes Roost Bivd., Suite 165
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
(U.S. Mail)
The Honorable Carolyn S. Holifield
Division of Administrative Hearings
The DeSoto Building
1230 Apalachee Parkway
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(U.S. Mail)
Linda Keen, Inspector General
Agency for Health Care Administration
(Interoffice Mail)
Tim Byrnes, Bureau Chief, MPI
Agency for Health Care Administration
(Interoffice Mail)
Finance & Accounting
Agency for Health Care Administration
(Interoffice Mail)
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
| HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been
furnished to the above named addressees by U.S. Mail and/or Interoffice Mail on this
the “day of Jane-——_, 2007.
ae
Richard Shoop, Esquire
Agency Clerk
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop 3
Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5403
Tel: (850) 922-5873
Fax: (850) 921-0158
STATE OF FLORIDA .
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION <.")
ALPHA DENTAL SERVICES, INC.,
Pit}
Petitioner, L
Case Nos.: 07-648MPI ‘“
C.J. Nos.: 07-5250-000
vs. : Provider No.: 075685700
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION.,
Respondent.
/
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
The STATE OF FLORIDA, AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE
ADMINISTRATION (hereinafter, “AHCA” or “the Agency”), and Alpha Dental
Services, Inc., by and through the undersigned, hereby stipulate and agree as follows: .
1. The parties enter into this agreement for the purpose of memorializing the
resolution to this matter.
2. Alpha Dental Services, Inc., is a Medicaid provider in the State of Florida,
provider number 075685700. Alpha Dental Services, Inc., was a provider during the
periods of the audit referenced as C.I. 07-5250-000.
3. In the Final Agency Audit Report dated January 1 1, 2007, AHCA notified
Alpha Dental Services, Inc., that a review of the Medicaid claims for the audit period of
January 1, 2004 through September 30, 2006, performed by the Office of Medicaid
Program Integrity (MP1) of the AHCA Inspector General indicated that certain claims, in
whole or in part, had been inappropriately paid by Medicaid. The Agency sought
repayment of this overpayment in the amount of $48,234.85, and fines in the amount of
Alpha Dental Services, Inc.,
Settlement Agreement
$1000.00. Alpha Dental Services, Inc., responded by filing a petition for formal
administrative hearing, which was assigned DOAH case number 07-648MPI.
4. After further documentation review for the audit AHCA has determined
that the overpayment amount should be adjusted to $45,744.15, and that the fine should.
remain at $1,000.00. .
5. In order to resolve this matter without further administrative proceedings,
. Alpha Dental Services, Inc., and AHCA expressly agree as follows:
(1) AHCA agrees to accept the payment set forth herein in settlement
of the overpayment issues arising from the MPI review in these
cases.
(2) Alpha Dental Services, Inc,, agrees to pay AHCA a total
overpayment amount of $45,744.15, total sanctions of $1,000.00,
with statutory interest over a six (6) month period. If the amount is
paid in full during this six month period then costs will be waived.
Alpha Dental Services, Inc., will make an initial payment of
$25,000, due on May 25, 2007. All subsequent payments will be of
an equal amount, to be determined by AHCA’s Financing and
Accounting Department, and will be due on the 15th of each month
for the remainder of the six (6) month payment period. Specific
payment arrangements shall be completed by AHCA’s Finance and
Account Department. Alpha Dental Services, Inc., also agrees to
submit a corrective action plan in the form of a Provider
Acknowledgement Statement in this case, as attached.
Alpha Dental Services, Inc.,
Settlement Agreement
(3) Alpha Dental Services, Inc., and AHCA agree that full payment, as
set forth above, will resolve and settle this case completely and
will release both parties from all liabilities arising from the
findings in the audit.
(4) Alpha Dental Services, Inc., agrees that it will not rebill the
Medicaid Program in any manner for claims that were not covered
by Medicaid and which are the subject of the audit referenced as
C.I. 07-5250-000.
6. Payment shall be made.to:
AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
Medicaid Accounts Receivable
Post Office Box 13749
Tallahassee, Florida 32317-3749
7. Alpha Dental Services, Inc., agrees that failure to pay any monies due and
owing under the terms of this Agreement shall, without further notice, constitute its
authorization for the Agency to withhold the total remaining amount due under the terms
of this Agreement from any monies due and owing to it by AHCA for any unpaid
Medicaid claims.
8. -AHCA reserves the right to enforce this. Agreement under the laws of the
State of Florida, the Rules of the Medicaid Program, and all other applicable rules and
regulations.
9. This settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing or error
by either party with respect to this case or any other matter.
Alpha Dental Services, Inc.,
Settlement Agreement
10. The signatories to this Agreement, acting in a representative capacity,
represent that they are duly authorized to enter into this Agreement on behalf of the
respective parties.
. 11. | This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of ©
the laws of Florida. Venue for any action arising from this Agreement shall be in Leon
County, Florida.
12: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Alpha Dental
Services, Inc., and AHCA, including anyone acting for, associated with or employed by
them, concerning all matters, and this Agreement supersedes any prior discussions,
agreements or understandings; there are no promises, representations or agreements
between Alpha Dental Services, Inc., and AHCA other than as set forth herein. No
modification or waiver of any provision shall be valid unless a written amendment to the
Agreement is completed and properly executed by the parties. .
13. This is an Agreement of Settlement and-Compromise, made in recognition
that the parties may have different or incorrect understandings, information, and
contentions as to facts and law, and with each party compromising and settling any
potential correctness or incorrectness of its understandings, information and contentions
as to facts and law, so that-no misunderstanding-or misinformation shall be a ground for
rescission hereof,
14. Alpha Dental Services, inc, expressly waives in this matter its’ right to
. any hearing pursuant to Sections 120.569 or 120.57, Florida Statutes, any making of
findings of fact and conclusions of law by the Agency, and all further and other
proceedings to which he may be otherwise be entitled to under the law or the rules of the
Alpha Dental Services, Inc.,
Settlement Agreement
Agency regarding this proceeding and the issues raised herein. Alpha Dental Services,
Inc., further agrees that it shall not challenge or contest any Final Order entered in this
matter which is consistent with the terms of this Settlement Agreement in any forum
available to it now or in the future, including its’ right to any administrative proceeding,
circuit or federal court action, or any appeal.
15. | This Agreement is and shall be deemed jointly drafted and written by all
parties to it, and shall not be construed or interpreted against the party originating or
preparing it. .
16. _ To the extent that any provision of this Agreement is prohibited by law for
any reason, such provision shall be effective to the extent not so prohibited, and such
prohibition shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement.
17. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding on each
party’s successors, assigns, heirs, administrators, representatives and trustees.
18. All times stated herein are of the essence in this Agreement.
19. This Agreement shall be in full force and effect upon execution by the
respective parties in counterpart.
_A LPir Owe S80 ceF (provider’s name)
CWwistna Laud man Dated: >
2007
Printed Representative’s Name
(provider/ representative’s signature)
Alpha Dental Services, Inc.,
Settlement Agreement
ae [lu
2007
, Esquire
Attorney for Petitioner
AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE —
ADMINISTRATION
2727 Mahan Drive, Bldg. 3, Mail Stop #3
Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403
2007 | a
Linda Keen
Inspector General
2007 } ; :
Craig Smith
KimKelu 9 TT
Chief Medicaid Counsel
Dated: S 01 >
Dated: al avo
Dated:
Dated:
5,
oa Jo?
Corrective Action Plan — Acknowledgement Statement
A “corrective action plan” is the process or plan by which the provider will ensure
future compliance with state and federal Medicaid laws, rules, provisions, handbooks,
and policies. For purposes of this matter, the sanction of a corrective action plan shall
take the form of an “acknowledgement statement”, which is a written document
submitted to the Agency within 30 days of the date of the Agency action that brought rise
to this requirement. An acknowledgement statement: identifies the areas of non-
compliance as determined by the Agency in this Final Audit Report (FAR);
acknowledges a requirement to adhere to the specific state and federal Medicaid laws,
rules, provisions, handbooks, and policies that are at issue in the FAR; and, must be
signed by the provider or its president, director, or owner.
The acknowledgement statement is due to Medicaid Program Integrity within 30
days of the issuance of this FAR. Please sign the enclosed statement and return it to:
Mr. Glen Stone
Agency for Health Care Administration
Medicaid Program Integrity
2727 Mahan Drive, Mail Stop # 6
Tallahassee, FL 32308-5403
Phone (850) 921-1802
Facsimile (850) 410-1972
Failure to comply with the requirements set forth above may result in the imposition
of additional sanctions, which may include monetary fines, suspension, or termination
from the Medicaid program.
Corrective action plan -- Acknowledgement Statement
Final Agency Audit Report January 11, 2007
C.I. 07-5250-000
PROVIDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT
I CirkisPrautr Cvormry __, 0 on behalf of Alpha Dental Services, Inc.
(insert printed full name here)
a Medicaid provider operating under provider number 0756857 00, do hereby
acknowledge the obligation of Alpha Dental Services, Inc., to adhere to state and federal
Medicaid laws, rules, provisions, handbooks, and policies. Additionally, Alpha Dental
Services, Inc., acknowledges that Medicaid policy requires:
The Dental Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook states in Chapter 2-2, Covered
Services, Service Requirements:
“Medicaid reimburses for services that are determined medically necessary and do not
duplicate another provider’s service.. In addition the services must meet the following
criteria:
e The services must be individualized, specific, consistent with symptoms or
confirmed diagnosis of the illness or injury under treatment, and not in excess of
the recipient’s needs; .
The services cannot be experimental or investigational;
The services must reflect the level of services that can be safely furnished, and for
which no equally and more conservative or less costly treatment is available
statewide; and -
e The services must be furnished in a manner not primarily intended for the
convenience of the recipient, the recipient’s caretaker, or the provider.
The fact that a provider has prescribed, recommended, or approved medical or allied care,
goods, or services does not, in itself, make such care, goods or services medically
necessary or a covered service.”
The Medicaid Dental Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook states in
Chapter 2-24,
“Description”:
“All radiographs must be of diagnostic quality.
Corrective action plan -- Acknowledgement Statement
Final Agency Audit Report January 11, 2007
C.I. 07-5250-000
The Medicaid Dental Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook states in Chapter 2-1,
Oral Evaluations:
“Evaluation Limitations: Evaluations for adults are limited to determining the
need for dentures or for emergency services.
“Evaluation Exclusions: A second evaluation will not be reimbursed when the
recipient retums on a later date for follow-up treatment subsequent to either
a comprehensive or periodic evaluation.”
The Medicaid Dental Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook states in
Chapter 2-29, Removable Prosthodontics:
“Non-immediate Dentures: A non-immediate denture must include:
e The reimbursement for the seating;
e All necessary adjustments and corrections, including relines, for-
six months after seating; and
All adjustments for six months after seating.
“An Immediate and a non-immediate denture are billed using the
same procedure code.”
“Immediate Dentures: An immediate denture procedure must include:
e The reimbursement for the seating;
e All necessary adjustments and corrections, including
relines, for three months after seating; and :
e All adjustments for three months after seating.
“An immediate denture is billed using the same procedure code as a non-
immediate denture.”
The Medicaid Dental Services Coverage and Limitations Handbook states in
Chapter 2-30, Removable Prosthodontics, Denture Billing Date:
“A claim for dentures may not be submitted until the dentures are actually seated.
Use the date the dentures were seated as the date of service.”
The Florida Medicaid Provider General Handbook states in Chapter 5-4, Provider
Responsibility:
“When presenting a claim for payment under the Medicaid program, a provider has an
affirmative duty to supervise the provision of, and be responsible for, goods and services
claimed to have been provided, to supervise and be responsible for preparation and
Corrective action plan -- Acknowledgement Statement
Final Agency Audit Report January 11, 2007
C.I. 07-5250-000
submission of the claim, and to present a claim that is true and accurate and that is for
goods and services that:
By:
Have actually been furnished to the recipient by the provider prior to submitting
the claim;
Are Medicaid-covered services that are medically necessary;
Are of a quality comparable to those furnished to the general public by the
provider’s peers; :
Have not been billed in whole or in part to a recipient’s responsible party, except
for such co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles as are authorized by AHCA;
Are provided in accord with applicable provisions of all Medicaid rules,
regulations, handbooks, and policies and in accord with federal, state, and local
law; and . .
Are documented by records made at the time the goods or services were provided,
demonstrating the medical necessity for the goods or services rendered. Medicaid
goods or services are excessive or not medically necessary unless the medical
basis and the specific need for them are fully documented in the recipient’s
medical record.”
CR (2 Pas Date: “4-16-07
(signature)
Olu ern
(title)
ee
Return completed acknowledgement statement to Medicaid Program Integrity.
ee
Corrective action plan -- Acknowledgement Statement
Final Agency Audit Report January 11, 2007
C.1. 07-5250-000
Docket for Case No: 07-000648MPI
Issue Date |
Proceedings |
Jun. 08, 2007 |
Final Order filed.
|
Apr. 13, 2007 |
Order Closing File. CASE CLOSED.
|
Apr. 09, 2007 |
Joint Motion to Relinquish Jurisdiction filed.
|
Mar. 06, 2007 |
Notice of Deposition (Duces Tecum) filed.
|
Feb. 20, 2007 |
Respondent`s First Request for Production of Documents filed.
|
Feb. 20, 2007 |
Respondent`s First Request for Admissions filed.
|
Feb. 20, 2007 |
Respondent`s First Interrogatories to Petitioner filed.
|
Feb. 15, 2007 |
Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
|
Feb. 15, 2007 |
Notice of Hearing (hearing set for May 23 through 25, 2007; 9:30 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
|
Feb. 15, 2007 |
Joint Response to Initial Order filed.
|
Feb. 08, 2007 |
Initial Order.
|
Feb. 07, 2007 |
Final Audit Report filed.
|
Feb. 07, 2007 |
Petition for Formal Administrative Hearing filed.
|
Feb. 07, 2007 |
Notice (of Agency referral) filed.
|