Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for June 15, 2017.
CMS issues ICD-10 code for radiolucent porous interbody fusion devices
CMS issued an ICD-10 code for radiolucent porous interbody fusion devices. The new ICD-10 code classification covers Vertera Spine's Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device as the only commercially available porous interbody fusion device.
Largest & smallest city prices for lumbar spinal fusion
The average cost for lumbar spinal fusions in the 10 largest metropolitan cities are oftentimes less than in the 10 smallest metropolitan cities, as ranked by the U.S. Census Bureau based on population. The procedure costs $5,000 more in Carson City, Nev., than New York City. See the other cities' prices here.
American Medical Association names Dr. Barbara McAneny president-elect
Oncologist Barbara McAneny, MD, is the new president-elect of the American Medical Association, effective June 2017. She will begin her presidency in June 2018. Her AMA career dates back to 2010, most recently serving as board chair from 2015 to 2016.
Massachusetts General Hospital faces lawsuit for double-booking surgeries
At least five orthopedic surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston are accused of repeatedly double-booking surgeries, leaving patients under anesthesia longer than they would have been if the surgeon was only focused on one case, according to the Boston Globe. Lisa Wollman, MD, filed the lawsuit against Massachusetts General Hospital after witnessing surgeons perform simultaneous operations without the patients' consent. Read more about the lawsuit here.
MIS spine market to grow at 14.7% CAGR through 2022
The global spinal implants and devices market is expected to reach $13.38 billion by 2022, based on an Allied Market Research report. While open spine surgery accounted for the greatest revenue in 2015, the minimally invasive surgery market will grow at the highest compound annual growth rate at 14.7 percent through 2022. In 2015, the spinal fusion devices sector captured about three-fifths of the total market share.
Former Swedish-Cherry Hill's Dr. Johnny Delashaw's attorney pushes for license reinstatement
On June 12, attorney Amy Magnano presented a case defending Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, against nurse allegations of improper conduct, The Seattle Times reports. Nurses at Seattle-based Swedish Neuroscience Institute on the Cherry Hill campus alleged Dr. Delashaw created a hostile environment, sending coworkers into submission as they were too afraid to ask questions that impacted patient care. Ms. Magnano argued the majority of nurse allegations referenced 2015 events, so Dr. Delashaw is not an immediate threat to safety in 2017. Read more about the case here.
This product rakes in the best income for medical sales reps
The 2017 Medical Sales Salary Report reveals medical sales rep income by product, according to MedReps.com. Medical sales reps selling health IT/software products make the highest average total compensation at $176,012. See the other top four products here.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont adds minimally invasive SI joint fusion coverage for 200k members
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont established a written coverage policy for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. The policy, which goes into effect on July 1, covers more than 200,000 health plan members for minimally invasive SI joint fusion.