Felony charges have been filed against Ghada Kalsho Kassab M.D, a 57 year old San Diego dermatologist, for a $1.3 million Medi-Cal fraud scheme. The investigation uncovered that the dermatologist charged Medi-Cal $1,386,995 for services that were never rendered.

According to the Medical Board of California, Kassab currently holds a Physician and Surgeon license (A 114457). The physician is reportedly a 1999 graduate of the University of Baghdad College of Medicine. Kassab practices dermatology at GK Dermatology of San Diego, located at 3737 Moraga Ave, Ste A206, San Diego, CA 92117.

A complaint was filed in San Diego County Superior Court charging the dermatologist with 22 counts of healthcare insurance fraud, one count of Medi-Cal fraud, the white-collar crime enhancement, and the excessive takings enhancement.

Prosecutors alleged that the dermatologist was invoicing for as many as 233 patients on a daily basis, averaging between 60 to 70 patients per day for identical or comparable services.

Furthermore, it was found that all patients were undergoing light therapy, with the majority using non-medical lamps.

It was further alleged that the crimes committed by defendant Ghada Kassab involved a pattern of related felony conduct, and the pattern of related felony conduct involving the taking of, and resulted in the loss of more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), within the meaning of Penal Code §186.11 (a)(2). This enhancement is known as the aggravated white collar crime enhancement

Pursuant to Penal Code §1170(h), prison custody time is to be served in state prison if the enhancement pursuant to Penal Code §186.11(a)(2) is imposed as part of a sentence for the offenses.