Breaking news and surgeon honors captured the attention of Becker's Spine Review readers in 2016.
The following are among the most popular spinal care stories this year:
1. 341 spine surgeons to know — 2016
Here are 341 spine surgeons to know.
2. Suicide likely cause of Dr. Sandeep Sherlekar's death, police report shows — 6 things to know
Sgt. Andrew Alcorn, a Frederick, Md.-based police criminal investigation division supervisor, reported Sandeep Sherlekar, MD, likely committed suicide, based on review of evidence. Dr. Sherlekar was a co-founder of Frederick-based American Spine Center.
The Frederick (Md.) Police Department is investigating the death of Sandeep Sherlekar, MD, co-founder of the American Spine Center. Dr. Sherlekar and four other medical professionals were indicted by a federal grand jury in June for a kickback scheme that allegedly linked $1.37 million back to the practice.
4. 22 spine surgeon leadership awards | 2016
Here are 22 spine surgeons who received the Spine Surgeon Leadership Award in 2016 from Becker's Healthcare.
5. Dr. Kevin Pauza unsurprised with Tiger Woods' slow back surgery recovery — 5 insights
Kevin Pauza, MD, of Pauza Disc Treatment Center in Tyler, Texas, isn't optimistic about Tiger Woods' back surgery recovery.
A $22 million lawsuit has been filed against Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University and an orthopedic spine surgeon for allegedly paralyzing a man by dropping a tool on his back.
7. Understanding the impact of the CMS 2017 ASC Payment Rule on Spine Procedures
On November 1, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgery Center Payment System final rule. The policy changes contained in the rule signal that the reimbursement environment for spine surgery is continuing to evolve, and this shift is not confined to Medicare.
Neurosurgeon Gregory Sherr, MD, is suing HealthEast Care System, CentraCare Health and six affiliated physicians for an alleged "pattern of anti-competitive, tortious and otherwise illegal conduct." Both healthcare systems are based in St. Cloud, Minn.
9. 6 spine physicians ranked #1 on Google — 2016
Each year, spine specialists contribute patient education content to www.Spine-health.com, which is read by more than 200 million patients struggling with neck and back conditions. This sizable audience is proof of the positive impact that physicians can have when patient education is done right.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will pay the federal government more than $2.5 million to settle a case alleging violation of the False Claims Act.