Dr. Zeshan Hyder, an orthopedic surgeon in Crown Point, Indiana, is the subject of a recent federal lawsuit alleging that he received millions of dollars in kickbacks from a medical device company in exchange for using its products in surgery. The lawsuit was filed by a whistleblower, a former employee of the device company, who alleges that the company engaged in a widespread scheme to bribe doctors into using its products.
The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Hyder received kickbacks in the form of consulting fees, speaking engagements, and research grants. It also alleges that Dr. Hyder used his position as a surgeon to pressure patients into using the device company’s products, even when they were not the best option for the patient’s care.
Dr. Hyder has denied the allegations in the lawsuit. He has said that he received payments from the device company for legitimate services, and that he never pressured patients into using the company’s products.
FAQs
Q: What is a kickback?
A: A kickback is a payment or other benefit that is given to someone in exchange for doing something that is unethical or illegal. In the context of healthcare, kickbacks are often used to bribe doctors into using certain medical devices or prescribing certain drugs.
Q: Why are kickbacks illegal?
A: Kickbacks are illegal because they can lead to conflicts of interest and can compromise patient care. When a doctor is receiving kickbacks from a medical device company, they may be more likely to use the company’s products, even when they are not the best option for the patient’s care. This can lead to patients receiving unnecessary or even harmful treatment.
Q: What are the consequences of kickbacks?
A: The consequences of kickbacks can be severe, both for the doctor and the medical device company. Doctors who are convicted of receiving kickbacks can face criminal penalties, including fines and jail time. Medical device companies that engage in kickback schemes can also face civil and criminal penalties.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuit against Dr. Hyder?
A: The lawsuit against Dr. Hyder is still ongoing. Dr. Hyder has denied the allegations in the lawsuit, and the court has not yet ruled on the case.
Q: What are the implications of the lawsuit for patients?
A: The lawsuit against Dr. Hyder raises concerns about the potential for kickbacks to compromise patient care. Patients should be aware of this issue and should talk to their doctor about any concerns they have.
Q: What can patients do to protect themselves from kickbacks?
A: Patients can protect themselves from kickbacks by asking their doctor questions about the medical devices and drugs that are being recommended to them. Patients should also be wary of doctors who pressure them into using certain products or who seem to have a close relationship with a particular medical device company.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Dr. Hyder is a reminder of the potential for kickbacks to compromise patient care. Patients should be aware of this issue and should talk to their doctor about any concerns they have.
References
- NWI tied to medical-device kickback scheme, federal lawsuit states: https://www.starrausten.com/nwi-tied-medical-device-kickback-scheme-federal-lawsuit-states/
- The hyder family – Bone & Joint Specialists: https://www.orthopedicdoctors.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Hyder_Family.pdf
- Hyder v. United States, NO. 3:17-cv-00285: https://casetext.com/case/hyder-v-united-states-2