The federal government has focused on targeting illegal prescribing practices, kickback conspiracy and fraud in 2019.
Six lawsuits involving orthopedic surgeons or practices:
1. The Department of Justice charged three Oklahoma-based physicians, including an orthopedic surgeon, with violating the anti-kickback statute for their role in an alleged scheme dating back to November 2012.
2. Chad Poage, DO, pleaded guilty to fraudulently prescribing controlled substances using another physician's Drug Enforcement Administration number, according to the DOJ.
3. As part of a massive federal takedown, an orthopedic surgeon in West Virginia was charged with fraudulently prescribing narcotics to himself.
4. A Claremore, Okla.-based orthopedic surgeon who pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy after illegally distributing hydrocodone in 2018 was sentenced to five months in federal prison.
5. Brandon Claflin, DO, paid $84,666 to settle allegations that he accepted illegal kickbacks in exchange for writing prescriptions.
6. Orlando, Fla.-based Conway Lakes Health & Rehabilitation Center and an orthopedic surgeon agreed to pay $1.5 million total to settle anti-kickback violation allegations. Kenneth Krumins, MD, will pay $500,000.