1-800-GET-THIN Doctor Receives 7-Year Prison Sentence

Julian Omidi, a former doctor who tricked insurance companies out of nearly $120 million with fake claims for Lap-Band surgeries, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Along with Omidi's prison time, his company, Surgery Center Management (SCM), which is based in Beverly Hills, has been put on probation for five years.

Unnecessary Surgeries

After a three-month trial in late 2021, a jury found Omidi and SCM guilty of 28 counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and other serious charges, including making false statements and money laundering. United States Attorney Martin Estrada said that Omidi's actions were focused on making money rather than helping patients. He misled patients into getting unnecessary surgeries, which can have serious health risks, Estrada said.

Omidi's business, 1-800-GET-THIN, received about $41 million for these surgeries. Even when some patients didn't get approved for the surgery, GET-THIN still charged about $15,000 for each sleep study, leading to $27 million in payments from insurance companies.

Insurance Companies Lost Millions

The 1-800-GET-THIN billboards saturated Los Angeles and boasted a quick one-hour surgery with an easy way to handle insurance. But in December 2021, a federal jury deemed the business a widespread scam that stole millions from various insurance companies, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and the Tricare program for military members. The FBI claimed Omidi made millions by tricking these companies and leading patients to believe they needed medical procedures. Omidi's lawyer previously said the charges were based on "false claims" and accused the government of treating his client unfairly. In 2014, the government had taken over more than $110 million from the 1-800-GET-THIN network.

Surgery Deaths

In 2009, Omidi, a former dermatologist, lost his medical license "after state authorities found he had engaged in dishonesty and unprofessional conduct related to his application for his California medical license," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Health inspectors also discovered dirty conditions, broken equipment, and reused tools designed for one-time use at the clinic. The clinic was shut down for a day, but nothing else was done right away.

Between 2010 and 2014, the Los Angeles Times reported five people had died after getting Lap-Band surgeries at clinics linked to 1-800-GET-THIN.

Omidi wasn't arrested until 2018.

The defense team said Charles Klasky, a manager at 1-800-GET-THIN, was to blame for the scam. Klasky admitted to being part of the scheme in 2017 and agreed to help the prosecution. Special Agent Robert M. Iwanicki from the Food and Drug Administration emphasized that doctors must provide accurate information so patients can make informed decisions. When they don't, the FDA investigates and seeks justice.

References: Former Physician Associated with 1-800-GET-THIN Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Massive Fraud Against Health Insurers | Former 1-800 GET-THIN Doctor Gets 7-Year Sentence for Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Scheme | Julian Omidi, Doctor Behind 1-800-GET-THIN Billboards, Convicted Of Fraud, Money Laundering