Neurosurgeon Sonjay Fonn, DO, and his fiancee Deborah Seeger settled allegations they recieved kickbacks from spinal implant companies, the U.S. Justice Department said March 22.
The Justice Department alleged Dr. Fonn and Ms. Seeger and their company DS Medical solicited and recieved remuneration from spinal implant companies in return for using the devices during procedures, according to a news release.
Dr. Fonn and Ms. Seeger were fined $5.49 million in 2018 after being convicted of submitting false claims to CMS. When Dr. Fonn used DS Medical implants, Ms. Seeger reportedly received 50 percent commission. According to the Southeast Missourian, she used some of that income to "benefit" Dr. Fonn with purchases including home improvements and a yacht.