Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next week's question: Is it still possible for spine surgeons to innovate given the recent scrutiny on their relationships with device companies?

Please send responses to Laura Miller at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Tuesday, March 27 at 5pm CST.

Q: What reasonable opportunities do you see in your practice for expanding ancillary income?

Ara Deukmedjian, MD, Founder, Deuk Spine Institute, Melbourne, Fla.: Our goal is to establish centers of excellence nationwide.

Walter Eckman, MD, Founder, Aurora Spine Center, Tupelu, Miss.: If I were younger and worked in a larger market I would definitely like to join with other surgeons to have an ASC and possibly additional diagnostic facilities (CT, MRI).

J. Brian Gill, MD, Spine Surgeon, Nebraska Spine Center, Omaha: I have recently started to perform my own spinal injections to gain further diagnostic information and therapeutic responses. Patients have responded quite well to this as I am now able to provide an injection the same day if needed as their appointment. There is no delay in their treatment which helps to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Khawar Siddique, MD, Spine Surgeon, Beverly Hills Spine Surgery, Calif.: [Add a] surgery center (as we already have). It has immensely improved satisfaction rate of the patients and reduced their financial burden.


More Articles on Spine Surgeons:
5 Spine Surgeons Responding to Coverage Denials
15 Spine Surgeons Discuss Patient Satisfaction
20 Statistics on Spine Pain Patient Office Visits