Physician-owned companies.
METHODS
The author relates his experience in the development of a spinal implant development company (K2M) that is significantly advised by physicians.


OBJECTIVE
To provide information about the development of a spinal implant company (K2M) advised by a group of professional spinal surgeons. To relate the federal laws (STARK and anti-kickback) as they pertain to surgeon-influenced companies. To discuss the role of a scientific advisory board.


METHODS
A self-developed company was developed together with significant, but minority physician financial input and majority scientific advice.


RESULTS
A privately owned spinal implant development corporation (K2M) was developed 3 years ago. Physician financial participation was less than 20% (Stark laws state no more than 40%). Users of product are greater than 60% non-investor physicians. The development of a large scientific advisory board has been very influential in product development.


CONCLUSIONS
A privately owned spinal implant company (K2M) has been developed strictly within Federal laws. Its board of scientific advisors that receives recompense commissurate only with effort significantly impacts the company policy.
Kostuik
John P
JP
Department of Orthopaedic/Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA. jkostuik@k2m.com
D005376:Financial Management / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics / Q000295:instrumentation; D010067:Ownership / Q000191:economics* / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010820:Physicians / Q000191:economics*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery