A California chiropractor was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in a spine surgery kickback scheme, the Justice Department said Aug. 26.
Brian Carrico pleaded guilty to one count of soliciting kickbacks, according to a Justice Department release. Along with his sentence, he was fined $25,000.
From June 2004 to December 2013, Mr. Carrico and William Parker were involved in a kickback scheme with Long Beach, Calif.-based Pacific Hospital. Mr. Parker's Union Choice Therapy Network contracted with the hospital.
The duo offered a quid pro quo system where the referral of patients was contingent on the hospital entering a management services agreement with Union Choice. The hospital overpaid for services under the agreement.
In the last five years of the scheme, more than $500 million in medical bills was submitted for spine cases involving kickbacks. More than 20 defendants, including Mr. Parker, were convicted for participation in the scheme, the Justice Department said.
In June, an accountant involved in the kickback scheme was sentenced to 15 months in prison.