South Dakota-based spine surgeon Allen Sossan, MD, has been accused of performing "unnecessary surgeries and unprofessional conduct," according to the Argus Leader.
There were two federal cases and several other lawsuits brought by former patients and patients' family members. Former employees have also accused Dr. Sossan of fraudulent billing. Here are five key points from the suits:
1. In addition to Dr. Sossan, the federal government also brought suits against the physicians on the committees that credentialed Dr. Sossan. There have been cases in other states alleging hospital credentialing committees were negligent, including a 2012 case in Montana and 2007 case in Minnesota.
2. Dr. Sossan previously practiced in Norfolk, Neb., before moving to South Dakota. His privileges were either terminated or rescinded from the Nebraska hospital, according to the report. One of the hospitals he brought cases to in South Dakota later suspended his privileges in 2012.
3. In 2010, after beginning practice in South Dakota, Dr. Sossan was reprimanded following numerous patient complaints. Employees at the healthcare facilities where he worked also allegedly complained of misconduct.
4. Other healthcare providers claim they warned officials in Yankton, S.D. — where Dr. Sossan practiced — about him, according to a separate Argus Leader report. While practicing in Nebraska, Dr. Sossan allegedly falsified patient chares and radiological results to perform unnecessary surgery. However, Dr. Sossan was able to get privileges in South Dakota despite his alleged previous issues.
5. Dr. Sossan's South Dakota license expired last March and he did not renew it.