The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has reached a settlement agreement with SimonMed Imaging MSO, a medical imaging service provider, to resolve an investigation into SimonMed’s billing practices, such as delayed refunds and upfront payment policies.
SimonMed typically charges customers up front for medical imaging services based on a “good-faith estimate” of the amount the customer will ultimately owe. If the good-faith estimate results in an overpayment, SimonMed will refund consumers the difference. In its Complaint, the State alleges SimonMed failed to issue refunds for overpayments within a reasonable time period, with some consumers not receiving a refund for over a year following service. Additionally, SimonMed continued to require consumers to pay up front, during a period it knew any overpayments could result in unreasonably delayed refunds.
The Consent Judgment requires SimonMed to take corrective measures:
- SimonMed is now required to issue refunds within an average of 60 days of adjudication of the consumer’s claim through insurance
- For claims that are not resolved in a timely manner, SimonMed will contact consumers to provide an update on the status of their refund.
- SimonMed will also allow consumers who disagree with the good-faith estimate the option to leave a credit card on file be charged after their insurance company adjudicates the claim.
- SimonMed will also pay $50,000 in civil penalties, $20,000 in restitution, and $20,000 in costs and fees.
Any consumers who believe they are affected by SimonMed’s billing practices should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office as soon as possible and before April 30, 2026, to be considered for restitution.
Be the first to comment