The U.S. The Attorney's Office reached a settlement with Springfield, Mass.-based New England Orthopedic Surgeons amid allegations the practice turned away patients with opioid use disorder for total joint replacements.
Two patients taking buprenorphine, a medication to treat opioid use disorder, went to NEOS seeking total joint replacements in 2019, according to a May 20 news release. However, they were referred elsewhere since the surgeons weren't comfortable with the post-operative pain management protocol for them. The government found the practice could have accommodated the patients.
Under the settlement, the center will pay the two patients $15,000 each, adopt a non-discrimination policy and provide training on the Americans with Disabilities Act and opioid use disorder.