Here are five things to know:
1. An anonymous complaint was lodged against the longtime chairman of LSU Health Shreveport’s neurosurgery department in 2016 that sparked an investigation into his surgical practices. An internal audit showed he recorded involvement at times in three-plus simultaneous surgeries at the teaching hospital.
2. According to the report, the neurosurgeon was the supervising physician while neurosurgical residents performed the procedure. However, procedures were billed as though the neurosurgeon had performed them, in violation of the law.
3. Auditors found the neurosurgeon was involved in 374 concurrent surgery cases from November 2011 to December 2016. LSU Health self-reported the issue to the OIG and repaid money from some of the claims. The health system also decided to negotiate a settlement with the government for the fraudulent billing. In total, the health system paid $732,854 to the federal government.
4. LSU Health System demoted the neurosurgeon in October 2017, and he left the health system in June to take a role as chairman of neurosurgery at two medical schools in another state, according to the report.
5. The health system is now providing physician education to prevent a similar concurrent surgery situation from occurring again.
More articles on spine surgery:
The latest trends in spinal instrumentation
10 spine surgeon leaders to know
12 spine, neurosurgeons with leadership promotions in 2018
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
