Dr. Sonny Rubin Malpractice Case: Why Was He Sued and Is He Trustworthy?
Dr. Sonny Rubin, a highly acclaimed pain management specialist, is at the center of a legal storm. Two insurance giants, Allstate and State Farm, have filed separate lawsuits accusing him of fraudulent billing practices and overcharging for his services.
Dr. Rubin, who was recognized as a diplomat by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, has an impressive educational background. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Florida and completed his Medical Degree (M.D.) at Saint George’s University School of Medicine.
Dr. Rubin also completed anesthesia-related specialty certification in pain management at the USC Medical Center and the UCLA Medical Center. He is affiliated with various professional societies, including the American Pain Society, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and the International Spine Intervention Society.
Fraud Allegations Against Dr. Rubin
Despite his credentials, Dr. Rubin now faces serious legal issues. Allstate’s lawsuit alleges that Dr. Rubin “orchestrates fraudulent conduct in which he routinely recommends predetermined ‘one-size-fits-all’ treatment plans without regard to medical necessity or patient safety” to falsely increase the value of patients’ claims and maximize his revenue.
The insurer claims that Dr. Rubin would “unbundle” Current Procedural Codes while treating patients referred to him by attorneys and chiropractors to make it appear as though more therapy was provided than took place.
State Farm’s lawsuit provides more details, outlining a similar scheme. According to their complaint, Dr. Rubin billed for diagnostic procedures and the interpretation of magnetic resonance imaging scans that were either not performed or were not medically necessary, collecting up to $4,095 in professional fees for each procedure and an additional $2,000 in facility fees for the ambulatory surgery center he owns.
Legal Proceedings
The legal battle between Dr. Rubin and the insurance companies has taken several twists and turns. The Orange County Superior Court initially dismissed State Farm’s lawsuit based on the first-to-file rule, as Allstate had already filed a claim alleging the same fraudulent scheme. However, the California appellate court overturned this decision, ruling that Allstate and State Farm could pursue their cases separately against Dr. Rubin.
The appellate court emphasized that different sets of victims justify the need for separate lawsuits under the Insurance Fraud Prevention Act (IFPA). The court stated that “the additional money obtained from such lawsuits will aid the government’s efforts to combat insurance fraud.”
Furthermore, the court denied Dr. Rubin’s attempt to dismiss Allstate’s lawsuit under the anti-SLAPP statute. The ruling stated that Dr. Rubin’s billing and reporting practices were not protected pre-litigation activities.
Legal Implications
The court rulings allowing Allstate and State Farm to pursue their cases against Dr. Rubin have significant implications for the healthcare industry. These decisions reinforce insurance companies’ ability to pursue fraudulent claims against healthcare providers and highlight the judiciary’s commitment to combating insurance fraud.
The Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Michael Soller, emphasized the importance of these lawsuits in protecting the public interest, stating, “Given our lack of investigative resources, the statute improves our capacity to safeguard the public.”
Allstate requests that the court grant it at least $34,110,000 in damages for violating the Insurance Code. At the same time, State Farm claims to have paid Dr. Rubin $6 million for fraudulent billings and is seeking additional damages for false claims made to other insurance companies.
Dr. Rubin’s Response and Fake Reviews
As of November 21, 2023, Dr. Sonny Rubin has not responded to the allegations or apologized for any wrongdoing. Instead, he has focused on promoting what some consider to be fake PR, ignoring efforts to highlight the problems faced by his alleged victims.
In addition to the fraud allegations, concerns have been raised about the authenticity of Dr. Rubin’s online reviews. The article discusses the prevalence of fake reviews and the potential legal consequences for businesses that engage in such practices.
Fake reviews can originate from various sources, including service providers, business owners, former employees, and customers seeking discounts or refunds. Consumers and review platforms can work together to identify and report suspicious reviews by examining reviewers’ profiles, looking for specific details, paying attention to recurring patterns, and analyzing the language used in the reviews.
It is important to note that writing fake reviews is illegal and violates the terms of service of business review websites. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) considers reviews to be endorsements, and any incentive, payment, or close connection between the endorser and the business must be disclosed. Failure to do so can result in legal action and fines.
Conclusion
As the legal battle continues, Dr. Sonny Rubin faces the possibility of substantial financial penalties and severe legal consequences. The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching effects on the healthcare industry and serve as a warning to providers who engage in fraudulent billing practices.
The court rulings in favor of the insurance companies underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the judiciary’s stance on insurance fraud. The article also highlights the importance of authentic reviews and the legal ramifications of engaging in fake review practices.
The public will closely watch the development of these lawsuits, as they have the potential to set a precedent for future cases involving healthcare fraud and insurance companies’ pursuit of justice.
