Farmington Doctor Charged With Fraud By Michigan AG

FARMINGTON, MI — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that felony charges were filed this morning against Dr. Ban Mechael, 56, of Farmington, with two counts of Medicaid Fraud-False Claim and one count of Medical Records-Intentionally Placing False Information.

This complaint against Mechael was referred to the Attorney General’s Office in 2018 by Meridian Health Plan investigators over concerns that Dr. Mechael was billing for phantom and unnecessary therapeutic injections/infusions and was also submitting claims for medical work purportedly conducted while she was out of the state and/or country.

An investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Office led to allegations that between 2016 and 2017, Mechael was billing for far more infusion treatments than could actually be completed based on billing data. In addition, investigators confirmed that she was billing for services when she was out of the state or country.

"Those who think they can get away with health care fraud, take note: there are many eyes and ears out there on the lookout and you will be caught and held accountable. It’s not worth it," said Nessel.

Mechael was arraigned before Judge Richard Ball of the 54B District Court in East Lansing and was granted a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 13 and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 19.

The penalty for Medicaid Fraud-False Claim is four years and/or $50,000 and the penalty for Medical Records-Intentionally Placing False Information is four years and/or $5,000.