While not directly related to the kind of kickbacks we are interested in (and wary of) as medical device developers, it is interesting to take note of the trial of Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ). He was accused of taking advantage of private trips offered by a doctor in Florida, in exchange for help in tax and Medicare fraud disputes.

A more relevant case is that of St. Louis doctor Sonjay Fonn and his fiancee Deborah Seeger. Seeger established a spinal implant company – and received a 50% commission for every implanted device. For years, Dr. Fonn used the company to supply the majority of the surgical implants he used, and benefited from the money via his fiancee’s home improvements and her purchase of a yacht. While this is not a 100% clear example, it is extremely heavily suggestive of a kickback and is definitely a conflict of interest for Dr. Fonn. Dr. Fonn and Ms. Seeger were, predictably, found guilty by a federal jury.