Becker’s reported on two lawsuits involving spine and orthopedics in the last seven days.
1. A woman filed a lawsuit against Abbott alleging her Eterna spinal cord stimulator was improperly programmed and led to worsened pain. The lawsuit names Abbott Laboratories, the device manufacturer, and the FDA, which approved the device, and states that the patient had Eterna implanted in December 2023 for chronic pain. She had a trial implant before a sales representative claimed a permanent implant would be as effective or more so.
2. Allstate has sued Florida Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, which operates as University Orthopedic Care, alleging personal-injury protection fraud claims, according to court documents filed May 15 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Allstate’s lawsuit alleges that the Palm Springs, Fla.-based practice had a built-in kickback structure that sought to multiply facility fees. When a patient was sent to an ASC, the practice allegedly billed Allstate a large facility fee and then sold the right to collect the fee to a related company for a fraction of the cost.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
