Here are five things to know:
1. Investigators allege multiple surgeons took kickbacks and bribes to direct or perform spine surgeons at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach (Calif.).
2. David Hobart Payne, MD, an orthopedic surgeon is accused of taking $450,000 in kickbacks to funnel $10 million in spine surgeries to the hospital.
3. Neurosurgeon Jeffrey Lokesh Tantuwaya, MD, is accused of receiving $3.2 million in bribes to direct or perform $38 million in surgeries at Pacific Hospital of Long Beach.
4. Orthopedic surgeon Jeffrey David Gross, MD, is the third surgeon accused of taking $622,000 for referring $19 million in surgeries at the hospital.
5. In total, nine people have been convicted in part of the scheme that dates back 15 years. Former Pacific Hospital of Long Beach owner Michael Drobot was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison back in January for his role in the scheme.
More articles on spine:
Study: Adding corticosteroids to epidural lidocaine injections for spinal stenosis does not improve pain, function at 12 months — 3 notes
The key trends for independent spine practice in the US
Neurosurgeon Dr. John Cummings in The Leading Physicians of the World: 5 highlights
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.