San Diego dermatologist Ghada Kassab charged in alleged $1.3M insurance fraud

A gavel and a block is pictured REUTERS file photo A San Diego-based dermatologist was facing nearly two dozen felony counts Friday for allegedly billing Medi-Cal more than million for services that were never provided The California Attorney General s Office alleges Ghada Kassab who has an office in Pacific Beach invoiced Medi-Cal for up to patients daily with an average of to daily patients State prosecutors allege the patients were undergoing light therapy with the majority using non-medical lamps In total was allegedly charged to Medi-Cal fraudulently A criminal complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court earlier this month alleges the conduct occurred between and It charges Kassab with healthcare insurance fraud counts one count of Medi-Cal Fraud and special enhancements related to white collar crimes and excessive takings California Attorney General Rob Bonta noted in a announcement We will not tolerate fraud where individuals take advantage of Medi-Cal to line their own pockets potentially jeopardizing critical necessary health services our majority of vulnerable residents rely on In contemporary times s action is workable due to my gang s efforts to hold accountable those who defraud Medi-Cal and we will continue to do so City News Provision