Macomb County doctor charged health care fraud over COVID-19 treatments

The founder of Allure Medical Spa, the Shelby Township business raided by federal officials last week, is accused of health care fraud that includes using the COVID-19 pandemic "as an opportunity to bill insurers for Vitamin-C infusions fraudulently represented as COVID-19 treatments and preventative measures."

Dr. Charles Mok is the only defendant listed in the 47-page complaint unsealed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit. The 56-year-old Washington Township man is charged with health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud in the complaint dated Friday.

His attorney, Mark Kriger, had no comment Tuesday morning. Mok is scheduled for an initial appearance in court at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The complaint discusses multiple millions of dollars in billings to Medicare from Jan. 1, 2018 to April 7 of this year.

It alleges that Mok engaged in a scheme to defraud prior to and during the coronavirus pandemic through the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for payment related to the treatment of varicose veins.

The complaint also states he failed to observe appropriate protocols at the clinic to minimize the spread of the virus.

A cooperating witness, who is an employee, was aware of five employees who tested positive for the virus but continued to work and treat patients at Allure, according to the complaint.

FBI investigators raided the location near 26 Mile and Van Dyke last Thursday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services was part of the task force.

More:FBI raids Allure Medical Spa in Shelby Township for alleged fraudulent COVID-19 treatments

A woman who answered the phone at the Allure Medical location the day of the raid she did not have anyone available to talk with a Free Press reporter. Messages left at the location and via email that day were not returned.

Allure Medical has eight locations in Michigan, as well as offices in Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina, according to its website.

It stated the Shelby Township location offers varicose vein treatment, hormone replacement therapy, dermatology, stem cell therapy, cosmetics and weight loss services.

According to SRQ Magazine, Allure Medical was offering high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy to front-line employees who are at risk of contracting the virus and to existing COVID-19 patients. Front-line workers are identified as those who include hospital staff, police and first responders, and grocery store employees.

The magazine quoted Mok as saying “We are using high-dose IV vitamin C to help support people's immune systems and to help those with the virus recover quicker. We want to provide this treatment to those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay."

The magazine stated that Allure Medical won't treat sick people at the same time as those who are healthy.

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter.