September 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
ON THE COVER
9 spine surgeons surpassing 100 robotic cases this year
Since its launch in 2017, Globus Medical's ExcelsiusGPS spine robot has been used in almost 30,000 procedures as adoption continues across the spine industry.
Can spine bundles succeed in value-based care?
Spine surgery bundled payments are more challenging to navigate than similar value-based arrangements in total joint replacement because of the wide variation of surgeries, the approaches and levels that may be operated on in any given diagnosis, as well as the significant cost differences in inpatient versus outpatient settings.
Top orthopedic hospital in every state: US News
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2022-2023 list of the 50 best orthopedic hospitals in the US. The annual list showcases nationwide excellence in hospital care, from orthopedics to emergency services.
How Medtronic is strengthening its spine business
Medtronic has strengthened its position in the spine surgical market with several key moves in recent months:
3 cervical disc replacement devices get FDA's pre-market approval
Centinel Spine earned FDA approval for three more Prodisc total disc replacement devices.
Number of orthopedic surgeons in all 50 states — California has 2,406
Almost 23,000 orthopedic surgeons practice in the U.S., according to Definitive Healthcare's PhysicianView, which includes data on more than 2 million physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the U.S.
5 physician specialties that drive the most revenue
Physicians generate an average $2.4 million annually for their hospitals, according to Merritt Hawkins and AMN Healthcare's 2022 "Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives."
Top 10 neurological surgery residency programs from Doximity — UCSF is No. 1
Doximity received more than 315,000 peer nominations, ratings and hand-written reviews to determine its top residency programs for 2018-19.
Spine, orthopedic organizations take position on image requirement in prior authorizations
Nine spine and orthopedic societies argue that potential real-time image sharing requirements for prior authorizations may lead to unnecessary delays and denials of care.
United Musculoskeletal Partners merges with Novum Orthopedic Partners
United Musculoskeletal Partners, led by Atlanta-based Resurgens Orthopaedics CEO Alex Bateman, merged with Dallas-based management services organization Novum Orthopedic Partners.
SPINE
Orthopedic patient's death highlights potential dangers of prior authorization
A negligence and medical malpractice lawsuit against an insurer has been picked up by the family of a patient who died during the litigation process.
Spine surgeon gets jail time for abusing patient during hospital visit
Woojin Cho, MD, a former attending orthopedic surgeon and chief of research at Montefiore Hospital in New York City, was sentenced on July 19 to nine months in prison for sexually abusing a patient who had gone to him for an appointment.
Orthopedic surgeon must face suit in patient's death
An orthopedic physician will have to face a lawsuit over allegations he failed to diagnose cancer in a patient's leg, according to the Texas Court of Appeals.
Inpatient spinal fusion costs in all 50 states
Alaska is the most expensive state to undergo spinal fusion surgery and Iowa is the least expensive, according to Sidecar Health's care calculator, which outlines the average cash price for every procedure, test and drug in the U.S. healthcare system.
Orthopedic surgeons see the highest starting salary in 2022: Report
According to an annual report from healthcare recruiting firm AMN Healthcare, orthopedic surgeons were offered the highest starting salary among medical professionals in 2022, at $565,000 plus sign-on bonuses and incentives.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The limitations of smart joint implants, according to surgeons who use them
Several surgeons use smart implants designed to improve patient monitoring after total knee replacements, but the emerging technology has room to grow, they say.
Can spine bundles succeed in value-based care?
Spine surgery bundled payments are more challenging to navigate than similar value-based arrangements in total joint replacement because of the wide variation of surgeries, the approaches and levels that may be operated on in any given diagnosis, as well as the significant cost differences in inpatient versus outpatient settings.
'Sad but not surprising': Spine, orthopedic surgeons react to the CMS 2023 proposal
Many spine and orthopedic surgeons were disappointed by the proposed 2023 rules from CMS. One of the major proposed changes is a decrease in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
Why this spine surgeon says the future is bright for artificial disc replacements
As designs improve and the cost advantages become clear, patients and providers may in the future choose artificial disc replacements over other kinds of surgeries, according to Jack Zigler, MD.
Spine surgeons spotlight 4 key issues with robots
Surgical robots entered the spine field in 2004, when the FDA cleared the Mazor SpineAssist to guide the placement of pedicle screws. Spine robots have come a long way since but are still very much in their infancy. Although most surgeons consider robots to play a key role in the future of spine surgery, there are challenges that need to be addressed.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Top orthopedic hospital in every state: US News
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2022-2023 list of the 50 best orthopedic hospitals in the US. The annual list showcases nationwide excellence in hospital care, from orthopedics to emergency services.
Tennessee's largest orthopedic group opens 2nd new location in a month
Nashville-based Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance is opening a new location in Murfreesboro, Tenn., according to a July 15 news release shared in Rutherford County Source.
Hospital for Special Surgery opens 2nd New Jersey location
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery opened a location in Saddle River, N.J.
Spine, orthopedic organizations take position on image requirement in prior authorizations
Nine spine and orthopedic societies argue that potential real-time image sharing requirements for prior authorizations may lead to unnecessary delays and denials of care.
HSS surgeons react to 13th top orthopedic hospital ranking by US News
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery was named the No. 1 hospital for orthopedics for the 13th year in a row by U.S. News & World Report.
DEVICES & IMPLANTS
'Smart knees' to become as prevalent as robotics in orthopedics, analysts predict
"Smart" knee implants have only just entered the medtech industry, but BTIG analysts predict they will "become ubiquitous within orthopedics, much like robotics," Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry reported July 6.
pine company agrees to $1M settlement for surgeon kickback charges
Reliance Medical Systems, its owners and two of its physician-owned distributorships will pay a $1 million settlement to settle allegations they violated the False Claims Act by paying spine surgeons to use Reliance devices.
ZimVie's pediatric scoliosis device gets coverage by Anthem BCBS
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover ZimVie's Tether device to treat pediatric scoliosis.
9 spine surgeons surpassing 100 robotic cases this year
Since its launch in 2017, Globus Medical's ExcelsiusGPS spine robot has been used in almost 30,000 procedures as adoption continues across the spine industry.
How Medtronic is strengthening its spine business
Medtronic has strengthened its position in the spine surgical market with several key moves in recent months:
ASC
Physicians balk at 'devastating' Medicare proposed pay cuts
Physicians are baffled by Medicare's physician fee schedule proposed rule for 2023, which would reduce the conversion factor by 4.42 percent to $33.08 and potentially decrease older adults' access to care.
Why physicians are turning away from private practice
Physicians are flocking to employed models over private practice, a trend that's picked up momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, JDSupra reported January 11.
Orthopedic practices, payers and health systems: 7 HOPCo moves in the last year
In the last year, Phoenix-based Healthcare Outcomes Performance Co. has affiliated with orthopedic practices in Michigan, Arizona, Florida and Nevada and expanded relationships with health systems and payers.
5 specialties that drive the most revenue to hospitals
Payment models in healthcare are evolving, but physicians still drive revenue to hospitals through patient, procedure, test and treatment volume, according to an analysis by Merritt Hawkins released July 18.
Tenet acquires Baylor's 5% stake in USPI for $406M
Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare now owns 100 percent of United Surgical Partners International's voting shares, CEO Saum Sutaria, MD, said during a July 22 earnings call, according to Seeking Alpha.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
The hospital with the greatest COVID-19 burden in 19 cities
The first year of COVID-19 was incredibly difficult for hospitals, as they dealt with an unknown virus, shortages of staff and equipment, financial difficulties and other challenges.
Amazon to acquire One Medical in $3.9B deal
Amazon plans to acquire virtual and in-person primary care company One Medical, the online retailer said July 21.
18 recent hospital, health system executive resignations
Dozens of hospital and health system executives have stepped down from their positions in 2022.
Duke LifePoint hospital at risk of losing Medicare contract
Wilson (N.C.) Medical Center could lose its Medicare contract after state regulators identified immediate jeopardy to patients' health and safety stemming from three events in early 2022, The News & Observer reported July 8.
St. Charles CEO abruptly resigns amid layoffs
Joe Sluka has resigned as president and CEO of Bend, Ore.-based St. Charles Health System amid the organization's financial struggles, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.