A Colorado neurosurgeon and multiple distributorships paid millions to resolve anti-kickback and False Claims Act violation allegations, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Colorado.
Five details:
1. William Choi, MD, allegedly created two spine implant distributorships, Nexus Spine in 2011 and 4D Spine in 2015, that produced spinal implants and devices that he used during surgical procedures. When he registered the companies, he listed third parties as owners but he secretly had control of both distributorships.
2. Dr. Choi financially benefitted from both companies, allegedly receiving improper payments and benefits due to his ownership. Federal programs, including Medicare and Tricare, paid for spine procedures Dr. Choi performed under this unlawful arrangement from November 2012 through June 2017.
3. Mark Rahe, who worked at Dr. Choi's practice and 4D Spine, filed the lawsuit against Dr. Choi claiming knowledge of the illegal arrangement.
4. Dr. Choi and three companies he owned, including Nexus Spine and 4D Spine, agreed to pay $2.35 million to resolve the allegations. As the individual who first brought the lawsuit against Dr. Choi, Mr. Rahe will receive a portion of the settlement.
5. The settlement resolved civil allegations against Dr. Choi, and he did not admit liability.