Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for June 29, 2017.
DePuy Synthes acquires Sentio to strengthen spine business
DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, acquired Innovative Surgical Solutions, a nerve localization technology company doing business as Sentio. The move falls in line with DePuy Synthes' stated strategy of investing in faster growing segments with technologies designed to bring value to patients. Sentio focuses on the spine surgery field.
The gap between best and worst performing hospitals for spine surgery
The Spine Journal published a new study examining the gap between the best and worst performing hospitals for 90-day spine surgery episodes of care. Around 16 percent of the cervical fusion patients and 15 percent of the non-cervical fusion patients had at least one adverse outcome. Fifty-four of the hospitals reported z-scores at 2.0 or better than predicted. Seventy-five hospitals reported being 2.0 z-scores poorer than predicted.
Investigative journalist takes on the spine industry in new book
Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, an investigative journalist by trade, published a book in May examining the back pain and spine surgery industries. The book, titled "Crooked: Outwitting the Back Pain Industry and Getting on the Road to Recovery," is based on Ms. Jakobson Ramin's experience managing chronic back pain as a patient. She describes spending money on unsuccessful treatments and pairs her personal narrative with statistics and interviews with spine specialists.
Only 8% of physicians report deep knowledge of MACRA rules
The American Medical Association and KPMG LLP conducted a survey of 1,000 physicians involved in their practices' decision making related to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015's Quality Payment Program. The survey revealed fewer than one in four physicians feel well-prepared to meet the quality reporting requirements in 2017. Only 8 percent reported they are "deeply knowledgeable" about the program.
CBO: Senate Republicans' health plan would slash insurance for 22M more Americans by 2026
The Congressional Budget Office reported the Senate Republicans' bill to replace the ACA would leave an additional 22 million Americans uninsured by the end of 2026. The legislation, dubbed the Better Care Reconciliation Act, would also cut federal spending by $321 billion through 2026.
InVivo Therapeutics enrolls 17th patient in INSPIRE study
InVivo Therapeutics enrolled another patient in its INSPIRE Study, testing the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold's efficacy and safety for complete thoracic AIS A spinal cord injury. James Harrop, MD, and Josh Heller, MD, of Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, implanted the device in the patient about 22 hours after injury. The INSPIRE Study now includes 17 enrolled patients in follow up.
Intellirod Spine acquires new intellectual property
Intellirod Spine secured over $1 million in equity financing from new and existing investors led by the OhioHealth Innovation Development Fund and Queen City Angel First Fund V. Intellirod Spine will use the funds to reach milestones towards commercialization of the company's sensor technologies and related lumbar fusion implants.
US News: Top 20 hospitals for pediatric orthopedics
U.S. News & World Report ranked the top 20 U.S. children's hospitals for pediatric orthopedics. Boston Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia top the list. See other hospitals that made it, here.