Neurosurgeon Pleads Guilty to Billing Payers for Spinal Hardware He Didn't Use

A neurosurgeon accused of fraudulently billing public and private health care payers for spinal hardware in Michigan and California has pleaded guilty to charges brought against him in federal court. Dr. Aria Sabit pleaded guilty Friday to convincing patients to agree to spinal fusion surgeries – where two vertebrae in the spine are immobilized, often using a metal bracket and screws – but not using the implants he later charged insurers for, according to the Detroit Free Press. He also admitted to billing companies for hardware when he had used only tissue. He entered the ple...