Category: The Spinal Tap

Federal Investigation Into Spine Surgeries Uses Mob Laws to Target Health Care Fraud

Investigators allege a Texas company that arranges spine surgery and other medical care for people injured in car crashes accepted bribes in violation of 1960s-era racketeering law.

Crash Course: Injured Patients Who Sign ‘Letters of Protection’ May Face Huge Medical Bills and Risks

The letters function as liens that “protect” spine surgery clinics while patients could be left with inflated medical bills and unexpected health risks.

Florida Spine Surgeon and Device Company Owner Charged in Kickback Scheme

Dr. Kingsley R. Chin and SpineFrontier were the subject of a recent KHN “Spinal Tap” investigation.

Surgeons Cash In on Stakes in Private Medical Device Companies

Doctors tied to professional sports teams share in investment bonanza.

Injuries Mount as Sales Reps for Device Makers Cozy Up to Surgeons, Even in Operating Rooms

Aggressive sales tactics have allegedly led surgeons to use defective or wrong-size implants, screws or other products on patients, including former Olympian Mary Lou Retton.