Canton Doctor to Stand Trial for Medical Fraud

Bassel Altantawi of Farmington Hills will face trial on 22 counts of medical fraud on charges he billed Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield for services he didn’t provide. The charges include nine counts of Medicaid fraud, 12 counts of health care fraud and one count of running a continuing criminal enterprise.

On Sept. 21, Altantawi waived his right to a preliminary examination and a not guilty plea has been entered. If convicted, the doctor, 46, could face 20 years in prison and fines up to $200,000. He is free on $25,000 personal bond.

Charges against him were announced in May by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, as a result of an investigation after Canton Township police received a tip that he was charging for services not provided.

Michael Loepp, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, said Altantawi is still actively licensed as a medical doctor, the Detroit Free Press reported. It is not known if he practices anywhere other than the Canton clinic. There is a “closed” sign on his practice door at Canton Urgent Care on Ford Road and the telephone number is no longer in service

Any patient who was seen by Dr. Altantawi who believes that he billed for services never provided is encouraged to call the Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division hotline at 1-800-24-ABUSE.

Photo via Michigan Attorney General’s Office