SAN DIEGO — Dr. Ghada Kassab, a San Diego-based dermatologist, is facing 23 felony counts after allegedly defrauding Medi-Cal of more than $1.3 million by billing for services that were never provided, according to the California Attorney General’s Office.
Kassab, who owns GK Dermatology with offices in Mission Bay and El Cajon, allegedly submitted claims for as many as 233 patients per day, with a large volume of them reportedly undergoing light therapy using non-medical lamps, prosecutors said.
According to a criminal complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court, Kassab billed Medi-Cal for $1,386,995 between 2016 and 2024. She now faces:
22 counts of healthcare insurance fraud
1 count of Medi-Cal fraud
Special enhancements related to white collar crimes and excessive takings
Kassab appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty. Each count of fraud carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated:
“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.”
In addition to the criminal case, Kassab is also named in a civil lawsuit filed by Molina Healthcare, which alleges she submitted over $48 million in fraudulent insurance claims.
