Glendale Doctor Indicted for $45 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

A physician based in Glendale, California, has been indicted on charges of filing fraudulent Medicare claims totaling more than $45 million. Dr. Violetta Mailyan, who promotes herself as a “facial aesthetic doctor” and a board-certified physician specializing in beauty, allegedly submitted claims for Botox injections that were either medically unnecessary or not administered at all, according to the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ).

The federal grand jury announced the indictment on October 12, 2023, detailing that Mailyan faces nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of obstructing a criminal investigation related to health care offenses. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and up to five years for each obstruction count.

Prosecutors indicated that many of the Botox injections for which Mailyan claimed reimbursement occurred while she was traveling internationally, or when the patients were not in the United States. In some instances, claims were filed for individuals who were incarcerated at the time. Such actions raise serious concerns about the integrity of the medical services provided and the implications for Medicare funding.

Mailyan’s social media presence showcases her as an expert in aesthetic medicine, enhancing her appeal to potential patients seeking cosmetic procedures. Despite her self-promotion, the allegations suggest a stark contrast between her public persona and her alleged fraudulent activities.

The indictment is part of a broader effort by federal authorities to combat health care fraud and protect taxpayer funds. The DOJ has stated that fraudulent claims not only waste public resources but also undermine trust in legitimate health care providers.

As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance within the medical community. The outcome of Dr. Mailyan’s case may set a precedent for future prosecutions involving fraudulent medical practices.

The Justice Department encourages anyone with additional information regarding health care fraud to report it. The growing scrutiny on health care practices may lead to increased vigilance among providers and payers alike, as they work to maintain ethical standards in patient care.