A San Diego-based dermatologist is facing nearly two dozen felony counts on accusations of billing Medi-Cal more than $1.3 million for services that were never provided.
The California Attorney General’s Office alleges Dr. Ghada Kassab, who has an office in Pacific Beach, invoiced Medi-Cal for up to 233 patients daily, with an average of 60 to 70 patients per day. State prosecutors allege the patients “were undergoing light therapy, with the majority using non-medical lamps.”
In total, nearly $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 did not return a message left with her office seeking comment.
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.”
