In February two health systems settled spine and orthopedic cases for multi-million dollars.
1. Tacoma, Wash.-based MultiCare Health System is settling allegations that it endangered patients and fraudulently billed federal healthcare programs for unnecessary spine surgeries. The $3.7 million settlement stems from spine surgeries performed by Jason Dreyer, DO, at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital and MultiCare Rockwood Clinic between 2019 and 2021.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, MultiCare said the decision to settle allows the system to “avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation and focus its resources on its mission of providing high-quality care to patients.” The settlement does not include any admission of liability or determination of wrongdoing.
2. An orthopedic patient who needed his leg amputated after an outpatient knee surgery was paid an $11.5 million from the University California Board of Regents. The patient had a left knee arthroscopic meniscus repair and high tibial osteotomy at University of California Irvine, and during surgery a main artery was mistakenly severed and cauterized.
The patient filed a lawsuit in February 2025 alleging negligence and misrepresentations. While his trial was pending, a legal team found that UCI Health destroyed video footage of the initial surgery and internal messages between his surgeon and staff.
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.