Medicaid payments suspended for Little Rock physician, clinic during fraud investigation

A Little Rock doctor and the clinic where he practices are under investigation for Medicaid fraud, according to a March 11 letter from the Arkansas Office of Medicaid Inspector General.

The office, which is located within the Department of Inspector General, has suspended all payments for Medicaid services provided by Dr. Alonzo Williams, the Arkansas Diagnostic Center and the Gastroenterology and Surgery Center until the investigation is complete, according to the letter addressed to the three providers and signed by Inspector General Allison Bragg.

“OMIG determined that there is a credible allegation of fraud, including but not limited to allegations that the provider performed certain procedures that were not medically necessary, failed to adequately assess certain beneficiaries before invasive procedures, and billed for services not rendered,” states the letter obtained via an Arkansas Freedom of Information Act request.

Williams has 30 days as of March 11 to file a detailed appeal against the suspension of Medicaid payments and receive a formal hearing, the letter states.

Williams is the Diagnostic Center’s medical director. He and office manager Marion York did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.

According to the Diagnostic Center’s website, Williams “has been diligent in pursuing the latest gastroenterology research and techniques in order to ensure excellent care for every patient” and is a gastroenterology consultant for multiple Little Rock hospitals.

He received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he is now a clinical instructor. Williams also used to be a member of the Arkansas State Medical Board, according to the clinic website.