Fourteen radiology centers in Illinois that allegedly paid illegal kickbacks to doctors in exchange for referrals have agreed to pay a total of $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, according to a news release from the attorney general's office.

The settlement also explicitly prohibits the radiology centers from operating under any kickback agreements with referring physicians in Illinois.

"When patients are referred to MRI facilities, they should be able to feel confident that the referrals were made for medical reasons only," said Ms. Madigan, according to the news release. "This settlement sends a strong message that medical professionals cannot engage in schemes to line their pockets, at the expense of providing the best patient care."

Read the news release about the $1.2 million MRI kickback settlement.