The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently ruled in favor of Cicoy Imaging PSC in a significant case that could impact the healthcare industry in Puerto Rico. The court reversed a lower court's decision that had dismissed Cicoy's claims against Hospital Doctor Susoni and Corporacion ABC. This ruling allows Cicoy to pursue its claims for damages related to alleged contract violations and inaccurate billing practices.
This case, known as Cicoy Imaging PSC v. Hospital Doctor Susoni, Incorporado H/N/C Hospital Metropolitano Dr. Susoni, Corporacion ABC, was filed on May 13, 2026, under docket number TA2026AP00300. The court's decision is crucial for healthcare providers in Puerto Rico, as it addresses the responsibilities of hospitals regarding billing practices and contractual obligations.
Background
Cicoy Imaging PSC, a medical imaging company, entered into a contract with Hospital Doctor Susoni in November 2023 to interpret radiological studies for patients. Cicoy alleged that the hospital failed to provide accurate information regarding the medical fees it should charge, leading to significant financial losses. In April 2025, a representative from Metro PavÃa informed Cicoy that the hospital's billing practices were incorrect, resulting in Cicoy receiving lower payments than it should have.
In December 2025, Hospital Doctor Susoni filed a motion to dismiss Cicoy's claims, arguing that the company had sufficient access to the necessary billing information and that its lawsuit was unjustified. The hospital claimed that Cicoy's allegations did not support a valid claim for money owed. In January 2026, the lower court agreed with the hospital and dismissed Cicoy's first two causes of action while allowing a third cause of action to proceed.
The Ruling
On May 13, 2026, the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals issued its ruling, stating that the lower court had erred in dismissing Cicoy's claims. The court emphasized that the lower court did not properly evaluate the allegations made by Cicoy. The judges on the panel included President Judge Rivera Marchand, Judge Mateu Meléndez, Judge Boria Vizcarrondo, and Judge Robles Adorno, who authored the opinion.
The court ruled, "the TPI [lower court] did not fulfill the required standard when evaluating a motion to dismiss. The court should have considered whether the allegations support the granting of the remedy requested by the plaintiff."
The Appeals Court found that the lower court failed to recognize that Cicoy's claims could indeed justify a request for financial compensation. The court noted that the existence of a contract between the parties warranted further examination of the case, allowing Cicoy to present its amended complaint.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for healthcare providers in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the importance of accurate billing practices and the need for hospitals to maintain transparent communication with their partners. The court's decision also sets a precedent for similar cases where healthcare providers may seek compensation for financial losses resulting from alleged contract violations.
By allowing Cicoy to proceed with its claims, the court has opened the door for other healthcare providers to challenge potentially unfair practices in the industry. This ruling may encourage more providers to seek legal recourse when faced with similar situations, thereby promoting accountability within the healthcare sector.
What's Next
The case will now return to the lower court for further proceedings, where Cicoy will have the opportunity to present its claims. It is unclear whether Hospital Doctor Susoni will appeal the ruling. There are no related cases pending at this time.