Fraud Alerts Are Out on Percutaneous Discectomy Procedures Related to Lawyer Scams to Reap High Fees
A treatment for compressed discs that is minimally invasive, provides real relief from neck and back pain, and enables a relatively quick recovery may be a "holy grail" in orthopedic medicine. It has become apparent, however, that an unproven procedure called percutaneous discectomy, "perc disc", PPD, disc nucleoplasty or spine wand disc decompression does not answer this need.
If a lawyer has referred you or a loved one to a medical provider for a percutaneous discectomy—also called perc disc, PPD, disc nucleoplasty or spine wand disc decompression—please contact us now. This is an unproven and risk-laden procedure that could cause complications, and you may have a legal right to recover compensation if you were referred by a lawyer as part of an automobile injury claim.
Some of the key facts surrounding percutaneous discectomy as of late 2009 include:
- A surgical instrument company called ArthroCare has campaigned intensively to increase demand for its "spine wand" for use in this procedure.
- The dominant market for perc disc procedures has been car wreck victims referred to health care providers by personal injury lawyers.
- Some doctors commonly accept a lien on a future legal settlement in payment for a procedure that may bill out at $30,000 or more for a 20 minute outpatient procedure.
- ArthroCare has been under investigation by federal authorities and issued a statement acknowledging the possibility of improper practices.
You May Be a Victim of Fraud or Malpractice, with an Opportunity to Recover
Sending an injured client to a doctor for an unproven procedure, in an apparent effort to inflate medical expenses and increase insurance settlements, may constitute a form of fraud or legal malpractice. Perc disc procedures include serious health risks. Most unsuspecting personal injury victims trust their lawyer's judgment when it comes to referrals for medical treatment. Unfortunately, the liability insurance industry recognizes a personal injury lawyer referral for a perc disc procedure as an unreasonable and unnecessary medical treatment—leaving the patient with a huge bill to pay and little, if any, long-term health benefits.
If you have been referred by a lawyer to a doctor who performed a perc disc procedure, you may have unknowingly been a victim of a personal injury claim scam where doctors and lawyers make big profits at your expense.
My practice is focused on serious injury claims, and if you got caught up in the "PPD" scheme, I think it is a serious matter that warrants review. You should be aware that you are not alone. Literally hundreds of people have been made victims in this scam. Please don't wait - timing is very important in all potential claims.
Bring Your Health and Ethical Concerns to a Personable, Determined Attorney
Fast action can be critical if you have been referred for a perc disc procedure—or had the procedure and are now suffering adverse consequences. Please contact my office in Nashville, Tennessee, today to talk directly with me about your legal options. Your consultation will be free, confidential and without obligation or risk. I will handle your claim on a contingency fee basis and advance all necessary expenses, too. If there is no recovery - there is no fee.
