January 2024 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
ON THE COVER
Do spine patients prefer hospitals or ASCs?
The number of spinal procedures performed in the ASC setting is on the rise, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where can spine surgeons reduce costs?
Amid economic headwinds, spine surgeons are exploring different ways to reduce costs in their practices.
What the orthopedic surgery landscape will look like in 10 years
The orthopedic surgery landscape of today may not look the same tomorrow.
Cervical disc replacements plateaued
The volume of cervical disc replacements grew steadily for nearly a decade, but have leveled off in the last few years, according to a study published in the journal Spine.
ASC execs are bullish on growth. Here are 5 strategies on their radar
The year 2024 is around the corner and ASCs are employing several strategies to prepare for growth.
Walmart: Friend or foe to hospitals?
When Walmart founder Sam Walton declared the retailer's healthcare ambitions in 1991, he had harsh words for hospitals.
Will Ozempic alter spine, orthopedic fields?
GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are rising in popularity and evidence suggests their possible effectiveness for helping patients lose weight.
Spine surgeons' next payer battle
Spine surgeons saw a major victory in a yearslong payer battle this year when Aetna revised its lumbar disc replacement policy in February. Now, some surgeons are looking ahead to the next hurdle they could face from insurers.
Employment vs. private practice: Factors influencing spine surgeons’ decisions
Spine and orthopedic surgeons' decisions on where to practice is a consequential one whether they go to a hospital or a private group. Amid economic headwinds and workforce challenges in healthcare, the choice holds more weight than ever.
SPINE
Will Ozempic alter spine, orthopedic fields?
GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are rising in popularity and evidence suggests their possible effectiveness for helping patients lose weight.
Do spine patients prefer hospitals or ASCs?
The number of spinal procedures performed in the ASC setting is on the rise, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cervical disc replacements plateaued
The volume of cervical disc replacements grew steadily for nearly a decade, but have leveled off in the last few years, according to a study published in the journal Spine.
Spine surgeon diversity isn't getting better
Orthopedic spine surgery is dominated by white males, and that won't change any time soon, according to a study published in the journal Spine.
Spine surgeons' next payer battle
Spine surgeons saw a major victory in a yearslong payer battle this year when Aetna revised its lumbar disc replacement policy in February. Now, some surgeons are looking ahead to the next hurdle they could face from insurers.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The best advice from 4 spine surgeons' younger peers
Career mentorship can be a two-way street where both parties learn from each other. Here is what four spine surgeons have learned from younger physicians in the field.
Where can spine surgeons reduce costs?
Amid economic headwinds, spine surgeons are exploring different ways to reduce costs in their practices.
The essential investments for spine practices
While it's important for spine surgeons to strategize on cost savings and revenue boosts, it's just as vital to know where to invest money when it comes to running a strong practice.
What the orthopedic surgery landscape will look like in 10 years
The orthopedic surgery landscape of today may not look the same tomorrow.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
CMS cuts physician pay, adds 5 orthopedic codes to ASC payable list
CMS released final rules for the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Nov. 2, and spine and orthopedic surgeons will see changes next year.
Where spine practices are making, losing money
There are several factors behind what's profitable for a spine practice and what could be putting one in the red.
Employment vs. private practice: Factors influencing spine surgeons’ decisions
Spine and orthopedic surgeons' decisions on where to practice is a consequential one whether they go to a hospital or a private group. Amid economic headwinds and workforce challenges in healthcare, the choice holds more weight than ever.
DOCS Health breaks ground on $123M hospital
Los Angeles-based DOCS Health, which focuses on spine and orthopedics, is breaking ground on a $123 million surgical hospital, Los Angeles Business Journal reported Nov. 6.
The future of spine surgery & ASCs: 5 leaders' thoughts
As spine surgeries increasingly become approved for the outpatient setting, ASC leaders are eyeing new procedure lines and growth opportunities.
DEVICES & IMPLANTS
Former NuVasive, LimaCorporate exec to lead Orthofix
Orthofix named Massimo Calafiore as its new president and CEO.
M6-C disc superior to ACDF after 5 years: study
New data from Orthofix found its M6-C cervical disc saw better outcomes than anterior cervical discectomy and fusion after 5 years.
Why 3 spine devicemakers are laying off staff in 2023
Stryker, Medtronic and DePuy Spine all announced plans to lay off employees this year.
Nevro acquires spine company
Nevro acquired Vyrsa Technologis, a company focused on sacroiliac joint fusion, according to a Nov. 30 news release.
The 1 factor that could propel AI in spine, orthopedics
Artificial intelligence has been an increasingly popular talking point among spine and orthopedic leaders, but it might not take its hold as rapidly, one CEO said.
ASC
ASC execs are bullish on growth. Here are 5 strategies on their radar
The year 2024 is around the corner and ASCs are employing several strategies to prepare for growth.
ASC market expected to hit $53B+ by 2028: 5 notes
The U.S. ASC market is expected to reach $53.67 billion by 2028, according to the "U.S Ambulatory Surgical Centers Market — Focused Insights 2023-2028" report released Dec. 11.
Private practice isn't going anywhere
Despite current trends, some physicians say private practice isn't going anywhere.
Is value-based care the key to ASC success?
A report by Humana released Nov. 15 found that value-based care benefits physicians and patients. In light of that finding, is adopting a value-based care model going to make or break ASCs?
How AmSurg is 'positioning for growth' as an independent company
AmSurg has officially emerged under new ownership as a separate and independent entity from Envision Healthcare, its former parent company, which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Will employers put the squeeze on hospitals?
Commercial reimbursement is poised for a fade-out and corporate giants may ramp up their demands and scrutiny. Are hospitals and health systems ready?
When Judy Faulkner has to tell customers 'no'
Epic founder and CEO Judy Faulkner said she sometimes has to tell customers "no" when she feels her products aren't quite ready.
Health systems turn to buyouts
Hospitals and health systems are implementing various strategies as they look to drive efficiency and plan for short-term and long-term growth. One strategy seen at several systems in recent months: offering buyouts and voluntary separation to workers.
Walmart: Friend or foe to hospitals?
When Walmart founder Sam Walton declared the retailer's healthcare ambitions in 1991, he had harsh words for hospitals.