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Business & Tech

South Pasadena Doctor Accused of Illegal Billing Practices

California Medical Licensing Board taking action against the doctor.

A South Pasadena doctor is being accused of forcing patients to pay the full price for her medical services and using extreme measures in doing so, according to the Attorney General's office.

is being accused of using agressive tactics to receive payments from patients, from filing lawsuits, to taking out liens on patient's homes, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

Martello's use of aggressive tactics to collect fees from emergency room patients like Buck — including lawsuits, taking out liens on their homes and damaging their credit — prompted an unprecedented court case by state health officials and a judge's order for Martello to cease the practices.

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The state's lawsuit against Martello, however, is the first of its kind, according to Marta Green, California Department of Managed Health Care spokeswoman.

Andrew Selesnick, attorney for Martello, insists his client has done nothing illegal in her pursuit of being adequately reimbursed.

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