Diagnostic imaging facility operator indicted for $284M in fraud

Sam Sarkis Solakyan, the owner and operator of diagnostic imaging facilities across California, was arrested on Sept. 26 for fraud—including conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud and health care fraud.

The indictment alleges Solakyan and his co-conspirators paid physicians to refer workers’ compensation patients to his companies for diagnostic imaging services, according to a report from adjustercom. He also allegedly operated a “fee-per-scan” system which gave incentives to physicians to recommend more scans than were medically necessary.

More than $284 million in invoices for claims were submitted or caused to be submitted by Solakyan to workers compensation payers for medical services obtained through bribes and kick-backs.

Over the course of their scheme, the indictment alleges, Solakyan paid more than $8.8 million to obtain MRI referrals from physicians.

To read the story, click the link below.

""

As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.

Around the web

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.