Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Nov. 17, 2016.
ISASS releases new coverage rule for decompression with interlaminar stabilization
The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery released new coverage criteria for decompression with interlaminar stabilization. The coverage recommendation policy examines decompression with interlaminar stabilization for lumbar spinal stenosis patients. The society doesn't recommend any one particular treatment, but does recognize decompression with interlaminar stabilization as a treatment option for based on the patient's pathology, surgeon's expertise and shared decision-making process.
Value-designated spine centers of excellence yield 19% cost savings
Spine centers of excellence deliver cost savings of 19 percent compared to other centers, according to a HealthCore study. Value-based centers had complication rates of 1.5 percent, compared to 2 percent at other centers. All other quality measures were similar between value-designated centers and other centers.
Spinal fusion cost variations could limit access to care
A new study published in Spine examines the cost variation within spinal fusion payment groups. The coefficient of variation within spinal fusion DRGs ranged from 44.16 to 52.6. The spinal fusion coefficient of variation was significantly higher than the total joint arthroplasty benchmark coefficient of variation (38.2). The variation between spinal fusion DRGs could lead to differences in cost and reimbursement, ultimately placing financial burden on hospitals. Cost variations could limit access to care for some spinal fusion patients, the study authors concluded.
Dr. Ben Carson turns down position in Trump administration
Ben Carson, MD, a retired neurosurgeon who ran in the primaries to be the Republican presidential candidate, has indicated he does not want to serve in President-elect Donald Trump's administration.
FDA approves full-body MRI for St. Jude Medical's Proclaim Elite SCS System
The FDA approved full-body magnetic resonance conditional labeling for St. Jude Medical's Proclaim Elite Spinal Cord Stimulation System. Patients using the Proclaim Elite SCS system may now receive full-body MRI diagnostic scans in approved parameters. Additionally, patients will be able to access BurstDR stimulation therapy, which utilizes intermittent burst pulses intended to copy the body's natural nerve impulse patterns.
AMA presents AANS & CNS Washington Office director with Lifetime Achievement Award
The American Medical Association awarded Katie O. Orrico, JD, with the Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Orrico serves as director of the Washington Office of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Throughout her career, Ms. Orrico has led efforts to create alliances with other organizations. She serves on the AMA-led MACRA Task Force and MIPS Workgroup.
Expanding Orthopedics receives patent for 3D expandable cage technology
With U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Expanding Orthopedics received a U.S. patent for its 3D expandable cage technology integrated in the FLXfit. This is the 14th U.S. patent the company has obtained thus far.
Paralyzed monkey walks with new wireless SCI therapy system
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne researchers created a new system for spinal cord injury therapy, wirelessly connecting the brain to the spinal cord below the injury. The new system allowed a monkey with a paralyzed leg from SCI to walk. The researchers said the system is not intended to cure paralysis, but rather enhance rehabilitation.