February 12, 2020

A neurosurgeon accused of receiving illegal kickbacks from distributors of spinal implant devices has agreed to pay $2.35 million to resolve allegations of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act.  While practicing at three Colorado area hospitals, Dr. William Choi created distributorships Nexus Spine, LLC and 4D Spine, LLC to provide spinal implant equipment for surgeries he performed.  Despite naming third parties as the registered owners, Dr. Choi maintained control of the distributorships and their profits, thus soliciting and receiving improper payments from these entities.  His fraudulent conduct was eventually revealed by a former 4D employee, Mark Rahe, who filed the civil action.  USAO CO

Tagged in: Anti-Kickback and Stark, FCA Federal, Medicaid, Medicare, Other Government Health Programs, Whistleblower Case,