The San Diego-based dermatologist was facing a felony count of nearly 20 people on Friday as he allegedly charged Medi-Cal over $1.3 million for services not provided.
The California Attorney General’s Office claims that Garda Kassab, who owns a San Diego GK Dermatology department with offices in Mission Bay and El Cajon, charges Medi-Cal to up to 233 patients every day, with an average of 60-70 patients every day. State prosecutors argue that patients are “on mild therapy and the majority use non-medical lamps.”
In total, $1,386,995 is allegedly been fraudulently charged by Medi-Cal.
Criminal charges filed earlier this month in San Diego Superior Court alleges that the act occurred between 2016 and 2024. Request Kassab 22 health insurance fraud counts, one Medi-Cal fraud, and one claim for special enhancements related to white-collar crime and excessive collection.
Kassab was in San Diego’s court on Thursday, and she pleaded not guilty to the 23 count fraud. She faces up to five years per count of fraud.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement: “Individuals may be using Medi-Cal to accidentally locate in their pockets, potentially dependent on critical and necessary medical services that are potentially at risk.
Kassab is also the defendant in a civil lawsuit filed by Molina Healthcare. The insurance company alleges that she filed a fraudulent claim of more than $48 million.
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