A San Diego-based dermatologist was facing nearly two dozen felony counts Friday for allegedly billing Medi-Cal more than $1.3 million for services that were never provided.
The California Attorney General’s Office alleges Ghada Kassab, who owns GK Dermatology of San Diego with offices in Mission Bay and El Cajon, invoiced Medi-Cal for up to 233 patients daily, with an average of 60 to 70 daily patients. State prosecutors allege the patients “were undergoing light therapy, with the majority using non-medical lamps.”
In total, $1,386,995 was allegedly charged to Medi-Cal fraudulently.
A criminal complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court earlier this month alleges the conduct occurred between 2016 and 2024. It charges Kassab with 22 healthcare insurance fraud counts, one count of Medi-Cal Fraud and special enhancements related to white collar crimes and excessive takings.
Kassab was in a San Diego courtroom on Thursday where she pleaded not guilty to the 23 counts of fraud. She faces up to five years for each count of fraud.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement, “We will not tolerate fraud where individuals take advantage of Medi-Cal to line their own pockets, potentially jeopardizing critical, necessary medical services our most vulnerable residents rely on. Today’s action is possible due to my team’s efforts to hold accountable those who defraud Medi-Cal, and we will continue to do so.”
Kassab is also a defendant in a civil case filed by Molina Healthcare. The insurance company alleges she submitted more than $48 million in fraudulent claims.
