Corasanti likely still seeing patients

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - Is Dr. James Corasanti, the Amherst doctor accused of hitting and killing 18-year-old Alix Rice on Heim Road last year, still practicing medicine?

Corasanti's medical license is neither suspended nor revoked, so it's possible he is practicing medicine.

News 4 legal analyst and former Erie County DA Frank Clark said, "He would not lose his license if and until he is convicted of a felony."

Clark suggests the jury's decision will weigh heavily on the state's determination if Corasanti will maintain his status as a doctor.

"Right now he stands unconvicted of anything. So unless he voluntarily resigns, he is free under state law to see patients," Clark explained.

Corasanti has resigned from positions at: Buffalo Medical Group, Kenmore Mercy and Buffalo General. News 4 has learned at least 25 patients from the Buffalo Medical Group requested to have their files moved to Dr. Corasanti's private office.

The paper trail led us to Buffalo Gastroenterology Associates in Orchard Park, where Corasanti is renting office space right now. News 4 called his office, asking if he was seeing patients. The woman who answered the phone, saying "Dr. Corasanti's Office," said she couldn't comment.

A Buffalo Medical Group spokesman told News 4 that the doctor is likely still seeing patients. Corasanti's license as a gastroenterologist expires in July. Without renewing his license, Corasanti will be forbidden from practicing.

Clark says if Corasanti is convicted of any of the felony charges, he will undoubtedly lose his license. But the state would still have to review the case.

News 4 is told Corasanti has no affiliation with Buffalo Gastroenterology Associates.