Investigators found that between August 2014 and December 2017, Dr. Kim had falsely submitted claims for cavity fillings and surgical tooth extractions. By agreeing to plead guilty to the insurance fraud charges, prosecutors dismissed a wire fraud charge and nine other counts of healthcare fraud.
Dr. Kim submitted fraudulent claims for more than 1,300 patients. In the claims, Dr. Kim said he performed eight or more cavity fillings in a single day on each of the patients. In court, Dr. Kim admitted that he did not numb, drill or fill cavities in those patients’ teeth, reports the Belleville News-Democrat.
The dentist also admitted to billing insurance companies for surgical extractions when he had actually performed simple extractions.
As part of his plea deal, Dr. Kim agreed to have his license to practice dentistry in Illinois revoked. In three years, he can petition the dental board to have his license reinstated. Additionally, Dr. Kim agreed to pay more than $719,000 in restitution to Illinois’ Medicaid program.
Dr. Kim faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for June.
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