NEW: Physician’s Assistant Suspended for Taking Kickbacks
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
A Rhode Island physician's assistant has had his license suspended for receiving payment in exchange for recommending a certain brand of bone stimulators prescribed by surgeons with whom he worked.
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), Michael J. Cobb engaged in unprofessional conduct by violating Federal Anti-Kickback laws. Cobb, who worked as a physician assistant to two surgeons in Rhode Island (not named in documents provided by HEALTH), had duties that "permitted him to choose which type of post-surgical bone stimulator would be prescribed for the patient," according to HEALTH. Cobb was "receiving kickbacks from one bone stimulator manufacturer from 2004-2011."
Cobb was investigated and plead guilty to a felony conviction under the Federal Anti-Kickback Act for "receiving money, directly and indirectly, in return for purchasing, leasing, or ordering any good, facility, service, or item for which payment may be made in whole or in part under a Federal health care program."
Cobb's license to practice as a Physician's Assistant in Rhode Island is suspended for 6 months in addition to any incarceration time as may be ordered by the US District Court.
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