Virginia Medical Imaging and Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg have sued Mary Washington Healthcare Services, claiming the Fredericksburg, Va.-based health system engaged in a campaign to undermine the imaging provider through contract disputes, physician recruitment efforts and lease negotiations.
According to the lawsuit, filed June 3 in Fredericksburg Circuit Court, Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg operates eight imaging locations and is jointly owned by Virginia Medical Imaging, which holds a 49% membership interest, and Mary Washington Healthcare, which holds a 51% membership interest.
The plaintiffs allege Mary Washington Healthcare withheld fourth-quarter 2024 distributions, attempted to recruit radiologists away from the practice and pressured company representatives to reverse a unanimous vote extending a radiology services agreement. The lawsuit also alleges Mary Washington Healthcare increased rent at one imaging center from $28 per square foot to $43 per square foot.
Mary Washington Healthcare disputed the allegations in a statement to Becker’s.
“Mary Washington Healthcare is committed to providing high-quality radiology services now and for the long term. This is a core part of delivering healthcare services and any allegations to the contrary are simply false,” the health system said. Mary Washington Healthcare also said there will be “absolutely no disruption” to radiology services, including mammography and women’s health services, and described the case as “a financially motivated lawsuit that has nothing to do with patient care.”
The complaint seeks the disassociation of Mary Washington Healthcare from Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg, damages for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty and contract, and, alternatively, dissolution of the joint venture. Plaintiffs are seeking damages of more than $2.5 million.
