Here are seven key stories on outpatient spine trends and news.
CMS proposes 2 new spine codes for the ASC payable list
CMS released the 2018 proposed rule for hospital outpatient departments and proposed adding two new spine procedures to the ASC payable list, according to ASCA. The two new spine codes include:
• Cervical artificial disc arthroplasty: 22856
• Second-level cervical discectomy: 22828
The most exciting opportunities in outpatient spine
Payam Farjoodi, MD, Kern Singh, MD, Plas T. James, MD, Brian R. Gantwerker, MD, and Richard Kube, MD, weighed in on the opportunities outpatient procedures afford providers. Read their thoughts here.
Dr. William Tobler performs Cincinnati's 1st coflex® procedure in ASC setting
William Tobler, MD, a neurosurgeon with Cincinnati-based Mayfield Clinic, performed Cincinnati's first coflex® procedure in an ambulatory surgery center setting in mid-July. Paradigm Spine's coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization procedure is a non-fusion option to stabilize the spine after decompression. The procedure is designed for spinal stenosis patients to help maintain natural motion.
Xenco Medical launches spine system for ASCs nationally
Xenco Medical expanded delivery for its ASC CerviKit, a compact delivery and storage platform for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedures designed for the ambulatory surgery center setting. The ASC CerviKit includes an entirely disposable, single-use spine device system. Xenco Medical made the system available for delivery to ASCs nationwide.
OrthoNY seeks approval for 2nd ASC
Albany, N.Y.-based OrthoNY is planning a new $5.6 million multispecialty ambulatory surgery center in Clifton Park, N.Y. The facility would be its second ASC. Practice specialties include spine, shoulder, upper and lower extremities, sports medicine, knee, hip and general orthopedic care.
Mount Sinai opens new orthopedic center
New York City-based Mount Sinai Medical Center opened its new orthopedic center in New York City. The Orthopaedic Center at Mount Sinai West will be the health system's location for all orthopedic patients on the west side of Manhattan. Four new surgeons have joined the existing team of 12 who provide total joint replacement, sports medicine, spine, foot and ankle, should, elbow and hand injuries treatment.
Dr. George Rappard reports positive results from endoscopic lumbar spine surgery study
George Rappard, MD, director of the Los Angeles Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, unveiled his study on endoscopic lumbar discectomy for herniated disc treatment. The study involved 108 patients who were all discharged home on the day of surgery. Dr. Rappard conducted follow-ups 11 months post-surgery. Read more about the study here.