Life Spine Accused of Paying Kickbacks to Surgeons

The government has filed a civil healthcare fraud suit against Huntley, Illinois-based Life Spine, a medical devicemaker that primarily manufactures products used in spinal surgeries.

The suit, filed in Manhattan federal court, alleges that the company, its CEO and another exec bribed surgeons to use its products during surgeries and forged agreements with numerous surgeons.

“Kickbacks to doctors can alter or compromise their judgment about the medical care and services to provide to patients, and can increase healthcare costs,” said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman.