The country’s largest independent imaging group—located in Fort Worth and employing about 300 physicians—calculated the figure based on an internal analysis of its billing practices.
Jeffrey and Kim Sayward, of Florida, charge that radiologist Eric J. Sax, MD, working for MaineHealth Hospital in Biddeford at the time, failed to identify a dangerous blood clot three years ago.
Washington-based Providence Health and Services denies the allegations. The lawsuit, filed by the state attorney general, details incidents of noncompliance and retaliation dating back to 2021.
The agency cited free speech as its reasoning for rescinding the long-standing policy. While in place, the rule barred companies that agreed to settlements with the Securities and Exchange Commission from publicly denying allegations made by regulators.
Since the COVID-induced global shortage of iodinated contrast occurred in 2022, the company has taken steps to ensure its supply chain remains resilient.
This type of imaging is increasingly being implemented in clinical care, though financing and billing practices have lagged these advances, experts write in Pediatric Radiology.
