Ringgold Psychologist Accused of Medicaid Fraud by Attorney General’s Office

On September 16, 2015, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office filed a one count accusation in DeKalb County Superior Court against Dolcelyn Imperio-Smith on charges of Medicaid Fraud, O.C.G.A. § 49-4-146.1(b).

During the time period detailed in the accusation, Dr. Smith was a practicing psychologist enrolled in Georgia Medicaid’s Psychological Services program. The Psychological Services program is designed to provide counseling and therapy services to Medicaid members under the age of 21.

Between February 25, 2011 and November 22, 2013, Dr. Smith, through her practice located in Ringgold, Georgia, billed Georgia Medicaid and received payments for psychological services that were not actually rendered. Additionally, Dr. Smith billed Medicaid for many services for which no record or documentation of the service could be located. The policies and procedures for participation in the Medicaid program require providers to maintain documentation for any service billed for reimbursement.

As a result of the fraudulent submissions, Dr. Smith received more money than she was entitled to in the approximate amount of $254,000.00. Members of the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated and are prosecuting this case.