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.

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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.

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