Trinity Health Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Mismanagement of Radiology Services

A Connecticut physician practice group, Advanced Imaging Specialists, LLC (AIS), has filed a lawsuit against Trinity Health, alleging significant mismanagement within its radiology department. The lawsuit claims that critical equipment necessary for radiological services was either non-existent, in disrepair, or at the end of its service life across multiple facilities including Saint Francis Hospital, Johnson Memorial Hospital, and Mount Sinai Hospital.

The suit, lodged by the law firm McCarter & English LLP on behalf of AIS, asserts that Trinity Health breached their contractual agreement by failing to provide the necessary support and infrastructure for AIS to operate effectively. According to the lawsuit, the agreement initiated in early 2024, established AIS as the exclusive provider of radiology services for the period from March 2021 to September 2029.

AIS claims that it was assured by Trinity Health that an adequate number of nurses, radiology technicians, and administrative support staff would be provided to facilitate operations. Moreover, AIS contends that it was promised a sufficient volume of patient services to generate sustainable revenue. The suit highlights an alleged discrepancy in the financials, noting that Trinity Health was purportedly paying approximately $200,000 per month for overnight radiology services to its prior provider.

Despite these assurances, AIS claims to have discovered substantial issues within Trinity Health’s radiology department. Allegations include that essential radiology equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging machines and ultrasound machines, were either inoperative or unavailable. The lawsuit also points to closures of mammogram and ultrasound procedure rooms due to equipment failures and staffing shortages, which AIS states hindered the ability to perform critical procedures.

A spokesperson for Trinity Health has firmly denied the allegations, stating that the organization has maintained accreditation from the American College of Radiology for multiple imaging services. The spokesperson emphasized Trinity Health’s commitment to quality patient care and mentioned ongoing investments in infrastructure, including new imaging equipment.

The lawsuit further asserts that AIS incurred significant losses as a direct result of Trinity Health’s actions, estimating damages exceeding $3.2 million. AIS claims to be facing ongoing monthly losses of approximately $400,000 due to the alleged mismanagement and lack of adequate facilities and staffing.

According to AIS, repeated attempts to address these issues with Trinity Health were met with resistance. The suit claims that AIS proposed various solutions to resolve the problems but faced challenges in engaging in good faith negotiations. AIS alleges that Trinity Health failed to respond adequately to inquiries and did not connect AIS with decision-makers.

In seeking redress, AIS argues that it would be unjust for Trinity Health to retain the benefits of the radiology services provided without compensating AIS for the reasonable value of those services. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, as well as pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.

As the case unfolds, both parties have expressed their commitment to maintaining patient care at the affected hospitals. AIS continues to assert its ability to deliver high-quality radiology services, while Trinity Health maintains its position regarding the quality and reliability of its healthcare services.