California Doctor Found Guilty of Medicare Fraud

A doctor from California has been convicted for submitting over $45 million in false Medicare claims tied to Botox injections. This scheme reportedly funded an extravagant lifestyle, which included luxury vacations and even the purchase of a $12,000 17th-century crossbow.

Violetta Meirian, 45, from Glendale, was found guilty of nine wire fraud counts and three counts related to obstructing a criminal investigation into medical crimes. The Justice Department shared this information following the federal jury’s decision.

The investigation into Meirian’s practices in the Los Angeles area was initiated by a data analysis team at the Department of Justice’s Healthcare Fraud Division. As it turns out, she received more from Medicare for Botox than any other physician in the country, which, according to prosecutors, set her apart sharply from her peers.

To put it in perspective, Meirian had received over $24 million in just four years—this is six times more than that received by the next highest group of Medicare providers, most of whom were neurologists.

Assistant Attorney General Colin MacDonald stated, “Violetta Mayan misdiagnosed patients, billed Medicare for Botox treatments while enjoying extravagant vacations, and tried to mislead federal investigators with falsified documents.” He noted that the data-driven approach of the Fraud Unit helps expose fraudulent schemes nationwide and helps prevent similar future incidents.

In addition to the fraud, Meirian was also accused of falsifying medical records to mislead investigators. She operated Healthy Way Medical Center, where she billed Medicare for Botox injections that were unnecessary or never actually given.

Interestingly, some claims were made for injections on days when she was away—traveling to places like Cabo, Maui, Las Vegas, and New York. Furthermore, there were claims for injections supposedly administered when the clinic was closed or when the patients were incarcerated.

Typically, Medicare will cover Botox treatments only if they are essential for treating documented chronic migraines. Yet, Meirian billed for and received payment for injections that were not provided, were merely cosmetic, or were given to patients who hadn’t been referred for migraine treatment by their primary care doctors.

She characterized herself as a “Botox filler non-surgical nose beautician” on social media, which seems quite misleading in light of the fraud.

Prosecutors pointed out that to conceal the fraud, Meirian created fake medical records, including patient consent forms, to imply that patients had received migraine treatment in her facility. Some claims were backdated, charging patients for injections before they even scheduled an appointment.

With the millions gained from her fraudulent activities, Meirian funded her lavish lifestyle and acquired expensive collectibles, such as a $3,000 painting of Crown Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and, of course, the crossbow.

She faces significant penalties, with potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for each wire fraud charge and up to five years for each obstruction charge. However, a sentencing date is still pending.