ASI patients transferring to Perry Twp. clinic
Clients from a North Union Township methadone clinic that was raided by the FBI Oct. 8 are being transferred to a clinic in Perry Township.
Addiction Specialists Inc. owner Rosalind Sugarmann, 61, of Allison Park and Brandon Eicher, 40, of Uniontown were charged with healthcare fraud after they allegedly collected money from Value Behavioral Services for group therapy sessions that did not meet the qualifications, according to a federal indictment.
VBH is cancelling its contract effective June 15.
Clients said they have been getting phone calls from VBH asking them to transfer to Polaris Renewal Services on Route 51.
“For all our members, we work diligently to ensure that they receive the care they need,” said VBH spokeswoman Amy Sheyer. “We are committed to assuring a seamless transition for our members and welcome the opportunity to give them as much information as they need to help alleviate any concerns.”
Sheyer said they have received calls to the member services line, describing some as “very positive” and “some with concerns.”
Perry Township Supervisor A.J. Boni said he is concerned about the clients transferring to Polaris.
“I don’t know why they would divert them, knowing they are unable to handle that many patients,” he said.
ASI officials have said they have 600 clients. Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs spokesman Jason Snyder said they were not yet able to verify that number, saying it is “an ongoing process.”
Polaris does not have a legal limit on the number of patients it can have because it is zoned as a medical facility, according to information provided by the Fayette County Planning and Zoning office.
Boni said he is concerned about the amount of traffic the transfer of patients would cause on Route 51. He said the township has received no communication from ASI about the transfer.
“We’re just going to continue to monitor it and see what we can do,” he said, adding that supervisors are having discussions with their solicitor about options.