Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Economy

San Diego Medical Device Manufacturer Agrees To $13.5M Settlement

Pictured is the office of Nuvasive in San Diego in this undated photo.
Nuvasive
Pictured is the office of Nuvasive in San Diego in this undated photo.

Federal prosecutors say a San Diego-based medical device manufacturer has agreed to pay the U.S. $13.5 million over allegations of false claims for the company's devices.

Maryland U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said in a news release Thursday that NuVasive Inc. agreed this week to the settlement, which also resolves allegations that the company paid kickbacks to physicians to use its devices.

Prosecutors said NuVasive promoted the use of its CoRoent System for surgical uses that were not approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, including treatment of complex spine deformities.

Advertisement

Prosecutors alleged that NuVasive caused physicians and hospitals to submit claims to Medicare for surgeries not eligible for reimbursement.

NuVasive said in a statement on its website that the settlement is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing.

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Without federal funding, community support is our lifeline.
Make a gift to protect the future of KPBS.