There the physician owns part of a firm which sells devices or implants to the ambulatory surgery center or hospital the physician works at. He then profits when he or the company he is a partner in sells the device or implant to the ASC or hospital.
Scott Becker, JD, CPA, of McGuireWoods, has long warned people of the risk of such relationships, i.e., even though they may fit an exception under the Stark Act, they do not meet an Antikickback Safe Harbor and he perceives significant risk in many of these structures.
According to a recent WSJ report, “The Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have both warned that PODs (physician-owned distributorships) may violate federal antikickback statutes and laws governing patient referrals.” [“Hospital Bars Surgeon From Operating Room,” WSJ, 4/13/11]
To learn more about such issues, register for the 9th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference (June 9-11; Chicago).
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
