Glendale Physician Indicted for Medicare Fraud Over Botox Claims

A Glendale physician has been indicted for filing false Medicare claims

A Glendale physician has been indicted by a federal grand jury for filing Medicare claims that were both false and unsubstantiated. The U.S. Justice Department announced the indictment on Thursday. The case centers on Botox injections that the doctor allegedly claimed were medically necessary. However, the injections were never provided or were unnecessary.

Indictment details

The indictment alleges that Dr. Violetta Mailyan submitted more than $45 in fake Medicare claims. The claims were for Botox injections that were not medically necessary or never actually performed. The Justice Department says the doctor was also responsible for falsifying medical records. These allegations led to the federal grand jury’s decision to indict.

Alleged fraudulent claims dates

According to the DOJ, some claims were filed for dates when Mailyan was traveling internationally. In those instances, the patients were not located in the United States. The indictment also points out claims made for patients while they were serving time in federal prison. These actions were deemed deceptive by the Department of Justice.

Doctor’s public persona

Mailyan promoted herself on social media as a “facial aesthetic doctor.” She also presented herself as a board‑certified physician who specializes in beauty. These claims were used to attract patients seeking aesthetic treatments. The DOJ notes that this self‑promotion was part of the broader fraudulent scheme.

Charges

She faces nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of obstructing a criminal investigation of health care offenses. Wire fraud charges carry a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison for each count. Obstruction counts could add up to five years in prison per count. The total potential sentence could be substantial if convicted.

Potential penalties

If convicted, the maximum penalty for each wire fraud count is twenty years in prison. For each obstruction count, the maximum penalty is five years. The cumulative penalties could lead to a lengthy prison term. The charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged Medicare fraud.

Medicare fraud context

The case involves the Medicare program, which pays for medical services to eligible beneficiaries. False claims to Medicare can result in significant financial losses for the program. The DOJ is actively pursuing individuals who commit such fraud. This indictment demonstrates the Department’s commitment to protecting Medicare funds.

Grand jury role

A federal grand jury reviewed the evidence before issuing the indictment. The grand jury’s decision indicates sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. The indictment is the first formal charge in the case. It allows prosecutors to proceed with trial.

Doctor’s alleged actions

The indictment claims that Mailyan submitted claims for injections she never performed. It also alleges that she filed claims for patients while they were incarcerated. These actions were described as deceptive by the DOJ. They were part of a broader scheme to defraud Medicare.

Public reaction

The DOJ’s announcement was made publicly through a press release. The release did not include statements from Mailyan or her representatives. The indictment has drawn attention to fraudulent practices in aesthetic medicine. The case highlights the need for vigilance in medical billing.

Legal process

Following the indictment, the case will move to the federal court system. The prosecution will present evidence to prove the allegations. Defense counsel will have the opportunity to challenge the charges. The outcome will depend on the court’s findings.

Impact on patients

Patients who received Botox injections from Mailyan may be affected by the investigation. The DOJ has not indicated any direct harm to patients. The case focuses on financial fraud rather than medical malpractice. Patients are advised to monitor any communications from the Department.

Industry implications

The indictment may prompt other physicians to review their billing practices. Medical practices may implement stricter oversight of Medicare claims. The case serves as a warning to those who might consider fraudulent billing. It underscores the importance of accurate medical documentation.

Summary of facts

In summary, Dr. Violetta Mailyan has been indicted for filing more than $45 in fake Medicare claims. The claims involved Botox injections that were unnecessary or never performed. She faces nine wire fraud counts and three obstruction counts. If convicted, she could face up to twenty years per wire fraud count.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Violetta Mailyan faces nine wire fraud counts and three obstruction counts.
• The indictment involves more than $45 in fake Medicare claims for Botox injections.
• Conviction could result in up to twenty years in prison per wire fraud count.

The indictment against Dr. Mailyan marks a significant step in the DOJ’s fight against Medicare fraud. It highlights how aesthetic physicians can misuse billing systems. The case will proceed through the federal courts. The outcome will set a precedent for similar cases in the future.