SD, Federal Officials Settle with Optometrist

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — State and federal officials say they have reached a settlement with a Rapid City optometrist in a civil case involving alleged overpayments.

The officials say the agreement with M. Scott Ellender resolves allegations that he knowingly submitted false claims to Medicaid, Medicare and TRICARE.

Officials alleged Ellender submitted improper claims to Medicaid for bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses and new patient visits. They also alleged Ellender submitted claims to Medicaid, Medicare and TRICARE for medically unnecessary visual field examinations from June 2006 through 2012.

Ellender will pay $283,499 to settle the allegations and will enter into a five-year integrity agreement with a federal agency.

Ellender denies the allegations and settled the case without admitting liability to avoid protracted litigation. He is providing free eye care to underserved patients for one year.

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