The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has ordered whole-body scanning chain Heart Check America to pay a $3.2 million fine for a range of violations, including conducting CT scans on patients without referrals from Colorado-licensed doctors.
In announcing the fine, Brian Vamvakias, x-ray certification unit leader in the public health department, said in a written statement that Heart Check America was exposing approximately 150 customers per week to potentially unnecessary radiation doses without a doctor's involvement.
"Patients should submit to x-ray and CT exams on the recommendation of their doctor, not on the advice of a salesman," Vamvakias said.
The company closed its Denver office in May after Colorado state inspectors confirmed it was conducting CT scans on patients without orders from physicians licensed to practice in Colorado.
Vamvakias said the office contacted Heart Check America in April and gave the company an opportunity to correct its violations. He added that communication between the company and the office stopped, leaving "no choice but to proceed with escalated enforcement and assess these penalties."
Heart Check America-Denver, Sheila Haddad, David Haddad, Lisa Haddad, and Todd Kaplan are named in the compliance order and assessment of administrative penalties. The company and the individuals have 30 days to pay the penalties or to request a hearing.
Money collected from penalties goes to the state's general fund, not to the department assessing the penalties. The fine is the largest ever imposed by the state's radiation program.
Heart Check America also operates or operated clinics in Nevada, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, California, and Washington, DC. The company's assets will be auctioned to satisfy debts.
