The Illinois Attorney General's office has filed a lawsuit against Heart Check America, accusing the imaging company of pressuring patients into expensive body scans that many did not need, according to a ProPublica report.
Illinois officials say Sheila Haddad and her son David Haddad, owners and managers of the Tinley Park, Ill.-based company, used unfair and deceptive business practices to manipulate consumers into purchasing 10-year screening contracts costing as much as $7,000 plus dues.
The Attorney General's complaint alleges the following problems, among others, with Heart Check America's sale tactics:
• Consumers were not informed of risks, including radiation exposure.
• People selling the scans were not medically trained.
• Patients did not receive medical evaluation before receiving the scans.
The Attorney General's office is seeking civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation if the court concludes there was intent to defraud, as well as restitution to consumers and the voiding of their contracts.
At the time of the ProPublica report, Heart Check America officials had not yet responded to calls and emails asking for comment on the lawsuit.
Read the ProPublica report on Illinios' Heart Check America.
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Illinois officials say Sheila Haddad and her son David Haddad, owners and managers of the Tinley Park, Ill.-based company, used unfair and deceptive business practices to manipulate consumers into purchasing 10-year screening contracts costing as much as $7,000 plus dues.
The Attorney General's complaint alleges the following problems, among others, with Heart Check America's sale tactics:
• Consumers were not informed of risks, including radiation exposure.
• People selling the scans were not medically trained.
• Patients did not receive medical evaluation before receiving the scans.
The Attorney General's office is seeking civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation if the court concludes there was intent to defraud, as well as restitution to consumers and the voiding of their contracts.
At the time of the ProPublica report, Heart Check America officials had not yet responded to calls and emails asking for comment on the lawsuit.
Read the ProPublica report on Illinios' Heart Check America.
Related Articles on Healthcare Fraud:
Owner of Houston Medical Supply Company Pleads Guilty to Medicare Fraud
Chicago Weight Loss Physician Subject of FBI Manhunt for Fraudulent Billing
Boston Pharmacist Sentenced to 4 Years in Jail for Medicaid Fraud