Queens dentist arrested over allegedly unperformed Medicaid procedures
Oct 4, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0176 · Published 2026-10-04 · Version 2 · Pending litigation
New York charged dentist Suleman Nasimi and Tooth Fresh Meadows over allegedly unperformed Medicaid procedures, including claims during overseas travel; the charges are unproven.
What happened
New York's Attorney General announced September 28, 2026 the arrest of dentist Suleman Nasimi and arraignment of Nasimi and Tooth Fresh Meadows on separate 40-count felony complaints. The allegations concern more than $300,000 in Medicaid claims for unperformed dental procedures affecting at least 35 recipients from January 2020 through August 2024. Both the procedural posture and the presumption of innocence matter: the announcement reports charges, not a conviction or a final recovery.
Investigators allege that Nasimi billed for root canals and crowns that did not occur, including more than $140,000 in claimed procedures during July 2022 periods when his office was closed and he was in Europe. The release describes an additional patient-access effect: prior claims allegedly caused Medicaid records to show procedures as completed, preventing some patients from obtaining approval for needed care elsewhere. Claim review therefore involves both whether the dentist was available and whether the patient actually received the procedure. Corrections to payment records may also affect access to subsequent treatment; a billing discrepancy is not merely a financial issue.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Pending litigation
- Applicability
- Operationally relevant
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks
- Jurisdiction
- New York
Why it matters
False completed-procedure records can both divert payment and block later care, making practitioner availability and patient confirmation important checks.
Recommended action
Match dental claims to signed procedure records, patient evidence and practitioner availability. Investigate claims during closures or absence and coordinate correction of records affecting access to needed care.
Case details
- agencies
- New York Attorney General
- entities
- Suleman Nasimi, Tooth Fresh Meadows
- action Type
- Criminal charge
- event Date
- 2026-09-28
- alleged Conduct
- The September 28 announcement alleges more than $300,000 in Medicaid claims for dental procedures not performed, including dates the dentist was overseas. Charges remain unproven.
- resolution
- Charges or complaint pending; no determination of guilt or liability.
Operational lessons
- Match dental claims to signed clinical records and practitioner availability; investigate claims during absences.
Sources
- Queens dentist arrested over allegedly unperformed Medicaid proceduresOfficial · HHS OIG, official enforcement announcement · 2026-09-28 · Source review 2026-10-04
- Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · 2026-09-28 · Source review 2026-10-16
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