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OKLAHOMA CITY (July 31, 2025) – A Broken Arrow oral surgeon has agreed to pay over half a million dollars to settle allegations that he systematically defrauded Oklahoma’s Medicaid program through improper billing practices spanning more than three years.
Dr. Rocky Cullens, who operates Stonewood Hills Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Inc., reached a $532,055.76 settlement with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office following an extensive investigation into alleged violations of the Oklahoma Medicaid False Claims Act.
According to investigators, Cullens allegedly engaged in several fraudulent billing practices targeting SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program that serves vulnerable populations including low-income children, elderly residents, and people with disabilities. The investigation uncovered evidence suggesting that between January 2021 and July 2024, Cullens’ practice submitted multiple types of false claims.
The alleged fraudulent activities included double billing for the same patient encounters, upcoding services to receive higher reimbursement rates than warranted, billing for excessive units of general anesthesia, and charging for tobacco cessation counseling for patients who were not tobacco users.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized the seriousness of Medicaid fraud in his statement on the case. “I take seriously allegations of false claims and attempts to defraud taxpayers,” Drummond said. “I’m pleased our investigation led to a resolution that rightfully returns funds to the State.”
The settlement amount includes $354,703.84 that Cullens allegedly received through improper claims, plus an additional $177,351.92 in penalties. This represents approximately a 50% penalty rate on top of the original improper payments, reflecting the state’s increasingly aggressive stance on healthcare fraud.
The investigation began after officials at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which administers the SoonerCare program, referred suspicious billing patterns to the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU). This case highlights the growing sophistication of data analysis in identifying potential fraud within government healthcare programs.
Healthcare fraud has become an increasing concern nationwide, with the Department of Health and Human Services estimating that improper payments across all Medicaid programs cost taxpayers billions annually. Oklahoma has stepped up enforcement efforts in recent years, with the MFCU recovering millions from providers who have submitted false claims.
The investigation and settlement were handled by a specialized team within the Attorney General’s Office, including Assistant Attorney General Jamie Bloyd, Agent Lauren Jewell, and Nurse Analyst Laurie Hudson. Having medical professionals like Hudson involved in such investigations has proven crucial for navigating the complex medical coding and billing practices that often feature in healthcare fraud cases.
Despite the substantial settlement, it’s worth noting that Cullens has not admitted liability, and the claims resolved by the settlement remain allegations only. The settlement allows both the state and the provider to avoid the additional costs and uncertainty of litigation.
The Oklahoma Medicaid Fraud Control Unit operates primarily through federal funding, receiving 75% of its $6 million annual budget from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with the remaining 25% covered by state funds.
This case represents one of several recent enforcement actions by Oklahoma authorities targeting alleged fraud in the healthcare sector, reflecting a nationwide trend of increased scrutiny of medical billing practices, particularly those involving government healthcare programs.
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10 Comments
It’s disheartening to see a dentist, who should be focused on patient care, engaging in fraudulent billing practices. Medicaid fraud ultimately increases costs for taxpayers and reduces access to essential services.
This is a clear breach of ethical standards. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to be transparent and honest in their billing. Hefty fines are warranted to deter this kind of misconduct.
This case highlights the importance of strong oversight and accountability in the healthcare system. Medicaid fraud not only wastes public funds but also jeopardizes access to care for vulnerable populations. Enforcement actions like this help protect the integrity of these vital programs.
It’s disheartening to see a trusted healthcare provider abusing the system in this way. Medicaid fraud undermines public confidence and diverts resources away from those who need it most. This settlement should serve as a warning to others who might be tempted to engage in similar unethical practices.
Agreed. Dental professionals have a duty of care to their patients, and betraying that trust through fraudulent billing is simply unacceptable. Robust enforcement and stiff penalties are necessary to deter this kind of behavior.
Half a million dollars is a significant penalty, but it’s necessary to hold this dentist accountable. Medicaid fraud undermines the integrity of the program and hurts those who rely on it the most. Stronger enforcement is needed to protect vulnerable patients.
I’m glad to see the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office taking this case seriously. Systematic fraud against Medicaid is unacceptable, and I hope this sets an example for other providers who may be tempted to engage in similar practices.
Absolutely. Rigorous audits and investigations are crucial to rooting out this kind of abuse. Taxpayer-funded healthcare programs must be safeguarded to ensure they can continue serving those in need.
Wow, this is really concerning. Defrauding Medicaid is a serious abuse of the system and hurts vulnerable patients who rely on it. I hope the settlement sends a strong message that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated.
Agreed. Billing fraud erodes public trust and diverts critical funds away from those who need it most. Hopefully this case prompts better oversight and tighter controls to prevent future abuse.