News Summary
Ghada Kassab, a San Diego dermatologist, is charged with nearly two dozen felonies for allegedly defrauding Medi-Cal of over $1.3 million through false billing practices. The claims include billing for services not rendered and excessive patient counts. Kassab faces 23 counts of fraud, and if convicted, she could face significant prison time. The case highlights concerns regarding Medi-Cal integrity as the Attorney General’s Office intensifies efforts against healthcare fraud.
San Diego Dermatologist Faces Fraud Charges
San Diego, CA – Dermatologist Ghada Kassab has been charged with nearly two dozen felony counts, accused of defrauding Medi-Cal of more than $1.3 million through alleged fraudulent billing practices. A criminal complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court asserts that Kassab submitted over $1.3 million in false claims for services she did not provide, raising serious concerns about healthcare fraud in the state.
The California Attorney General’s Office claims that Kassab billed Medi-Cal for services rendered to up to 233 patients daily, despite the fact that her typical daily patient load averaged between 60 to 70 patients. This significant discrepancy suggests that the volume of billed services far exceeds what could reasonably be expected from her practice.
Details of the Allegations
According to state prosecutors, the fraudulent claims primarily involve patients undergoing light therapy, a treatment that was mostly administered using non-medical lamps. The criminal activities, as outlined in the complaint, reportedly occurred between 2016 and 2024. Kassab is facing a total of 23 counts of fraud, which include 22 counts of healthcare insurance fraud and one count of Medi-Cal fraud. Additionally, she has been charged with special enhancements relating to white-collar crimes and excessive financial takings.
During her arraignment on Thursday, Kassab pleaded not guilty to all charges in a San Diego courtroom. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison for each count of fraud, highlighting the potential severity of the case.
Context of the Case
This case adds to growing concerns regarding the integrity of the Medi-Cal program, particularly amid the ongoing efforts from the Attorney General’s Office to crack down on healthcare fraud. The Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has stated that the state remains steadfast in its commitment to combating fraud that potentially jeopardizes essential medical services for vulnerable residents.
In addition to the criminal charges, Kassab is also involved in a civil case brought forward by Molina Healthcare, which alleges that she submitted over $48 million in fraudulent claims. This civil action underscores the extensive nature of the alleged fraud and raises further questions about potential abuses within the Medi-Cal system.
The investigations into Kassab’s actions reflect broader efforts to ensure that healthcare systems remain accountable and that those who engage in fraudulent practices face appropriate legal repercussions. As this case unfolds, it serves as a clear indication of the ongoing challenges that healthcare programs like Medi-Cal face in preventing fraud and protecting public health resources.
Conclusion
The prosecution of Ghada Kassab represents a significant development in the fight against healthcare fraud in California. As the legal proceedings continue, the ramifications of her alleged actions will likely resonate throughout the state’s healthcare landscape, prompting further scrutiny of billing practices among medical professionals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: San Diego Dermatologist Charged with Insurance Fraud
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Dentist Charged Following Health Care Raid
- Google Search: healthcare fraud
- Express News: Dermatology Embezzlement Case
- Google Scholar: healthcare fraud California
- CBS 8: San Diego Doctor Sentenced for Mask Hoarding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare fraud
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
