The biggest anesthesia news in 2019 — Former pain practice CEO found guilty of 8 counts & more

The federal government and local authorities ramped up efforts to crack down on illegal prescribing practices this year, and articles on the matter generated a significant amount of buzz.

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The five most read stories on Becker’s anesthesia channel in 2019:

1. Former pain practice CEO found guilty of 8 counts in $4M kickback operation — 4 details
Former Gallatin, Tenn.-based Comprehensive Pain Specialists CEO John Davis was found guilty of participating in a $4 million illegal kickback scheme, the Department of Justice announced in April.

2. Surgery center nurse who switched syringes has license suspended — 7 insights
In September, a Michigan nurse had her license suspended after she was found taking pain medicine syringes from the hospital where she worked and switching them with syringes from a surgery center where she worked.

3. ‘Rock Doc’ allegedly traded drugs for sex, prescribed 1.4M+ opioids
The Department of Justice charged 32 people in Tennessee, including Jeffrey Young, a nurse practitioner known as the “Rock Doc,” as part of a massive crackdown in April.

4. Florida pain clinic owner sentenced to 6+ years in prison for Medicare fraud
American Pain Management owner Scott Novick was sentenced to more than six years in prison — plus three years of supervised release — for participating in a $2.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, according to the DOJ.

5. Pain clinic, ASC face lawsuit over $1.7M medical equipment debt
Erie, Pa.-based Tri-State Pain Institute faced several lawsuits related to its finances and claims of a MRSA outbreak in 2017. The latest suit was filed Nov. 13.

More articles on anesthesia:
Pain physician pleads guilty to accepting $140,000 kickbacks from Insys
Cincinnati health system consolidates outpatient cardiology care in $2M renovation project — 3 insights
8 major CMS changes to take effect in 2020

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 18–20 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

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