San Diego radiologist found guilty of fraud, bribery

A San Diego federal court ruled that Beverly Hills radiologist Ronald Grusd and his companies, California Imaging Network Medical Group and Willows Consulting Company, are guilty of fraud and bribery in connection with a paid kickback scheme.

The defendants, found guilty on all charges, paid more than $100,000 in kickbacks for patient referrals to fraudulently bill insurance companies for procedures totaling more than $25 million, reported the Times of San Diego.

The procedures included MRIs, ultrasounds, shockwave treatments, toxicology testing and prescription pain medications.

“A patient entrusts his life to his physician,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “A doctor’s medical decisions should be based on the best interest of the patient, not the highest bidder.”

Sentencing for Grusd is scheduled for March 12, 2018. Medical fraud in California is punishable by prison, fines or both.

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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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