January 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
ON THE COVER
10 highest-paying cities for physicians in 2020
Milwaukee is the highest paying metropolitan city for physicians, according to Doximity's 2020 Physician Compensation Report.
What 2021 will look like from 13 spine surgeons — Drs. Frank Phillips, Lali Sekhon & more
Thirteen spine surgeons share their outlook on the spine field in 2021 and what success will look like for their practice.
The most controversial trends in spine from 10 surgeons
From artificial discs to stem cells and complex deformity surgery, 10 surgeons discuss some of the most controversial trends in spine today.
CMS finalizes physician payment rule for 2021: 6 takeaways
CMS released its annual changes to the physician fee schedule for 2021, which updates the payment rates for physician services and expands the list of telehealth services covered by Medicare.
Stem cells in spine, orthopedics: 6 notes for surgeons
A landmark clinical trial was announced in November when a $9 million grant was provided for the first human study using stem cells to treat a spinal disorder that occurs in babies in the womb.
How the pandemic is changing spine surgery: 5 surgeon insights
From the acceleration of outpatient migration to the increasing popularity of certain spinal approaches, five spine surgeons discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the field:
6 Texas orthopedic practices to merge into 150-plus physician group
Six orthopedic groups in Texas will merge to launch OrthoLoneStar in January 2021.
PE firm, US Orthopedic Alliance partner to foster growth initiatives
U.S. Orthopedic Alliance has teamed with Castleford Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm, to form USOA Strategic Capital to support growth initiatives and partnership opportunities.
Medtronic acquires spine device company in 7th takeover of 2020
Medtronic on Nov. 16 completed the acquisition of Medicrea, a France-based spine device company.
The ASC payer landscape in 2021: 6 administrator insights
Six ASC administrators from California to New Jersey discuss the payer landscape in their area and what they expect in the next year.
SPINE SURGEONS
What 2021 will look like from 13 spine surgeons — Drs. Frank Phillips, Lali Sekhon & more
Thirteen spine surgeons share their outlook on the spine field in 2021 and what success will look like for their practice.
The most controversial trends in spine from 10 surgeons
From artificial discs to stem cells and complex deformity surgery, 10 surgeons discuss some of the most controversial trends in spine today.
Dr. Reginald Knight joins leadership team at New York health system
Spine surgeon Reginald Knight, MD, has been appointed senior vice president, chief physician executive for Cooperstown, N.Y.-based Bassett Healthcare Network, Rome Sentinel reported Nov. 10.
Meet the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery board of directors for 2021
The board of directors of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery has selected its officers for 2020-21, as well as a new director-elect and public member director.
Robotics in spine surgery: 17 notes for surgeons, ASCs & administrators
Spine surgery has advanced significantly over the past decade, with minimally invasive surgery and robotic spine surgery drawing increased interest from surgeons.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
CMS finalizes physician payment rule for 2021: 6 takeaways
CMS released its annual changes to the physician fee schedule for 2021, which updates the payment rates for physician services and expands the list of telehealth services covered by Medicare.
23-physician orthopedic group to open flagship facility in March
Providence-based Ortho Rhode Island is set to open a new flagship facility in Warwick, R.I., in March, the Warwick Beacon reports.
$6.7M orthopedic ASC opens in Pennsylvania, plans to perform up to 4,500 surgeries in 2021
Philadelphia-based Premier Orthopedics and Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center have opened a $6.7 million surgery center in King of Prussia, Pa., Philadelphia Business Journal reports.
Orthopedic surgeon compensation, net worth & gender wage gap — 20 insights for 2020
Here are 20 insights on orthopedic surgeon compensation, net worth, the gender wage gap and more, drawn from four separate reports:
6 Texas orthopedic practices to merge into 150-plus physician group
Six orthopedic groups in Texas will merge to launch OrthoLoneStar in January 2021.
DEVICES & IMPLANTS
HCA launches AR spine surgery program at 2nd, 3rd Florida hospitals
Mercy Hospital in Miami and Kendall Regional Medical Center in Tamiami, Fla., part of HCA East Florida, are now offering augmented reality spine surgery.
Medtronic acquires spine device company in 7th takeover of 2020
Medtronic on Nov. 16 completed the acquisition of Medicrea, a France-based spine device company.
Zimmer Biomet seals $250M acquisition of medical device company
Zimmer Biomet has completed the acquisition of A&E Medical Corp., a cardiothoracic surgery company that manufactures sternal closure devices.
Medtronic spine veteran takes advisory role at imaging company
Tommy Carls, former vice president of research and development at Medtronic Spine and Biologics, has joined Proprio as an adviser.
Former Zimmer Biomet spine president named Aspen Medical CEO
Aspen Medical Products has appointed Zimmer Biomet's former president of global spine as president and CEO.
OUTPATIENT SURGERY
How a 2nd round of elective surgical delays will affect ASCs — 5 administrators share insights
As increasing COVID-19 case counts shut down elective surgical programs across the U.S., five administrators shared their thoughts with Becker's ASC Review on what the shutdowns could mean for their centers.
CMS to require prior authorization for cervical fusion with disc removal
CMS will use prior authorization to reduce unnecessary increases in the volume of covered outpatient spine services next year.
11 biggest surgery center projects in 2020 by cost
This year, at least 11 developments involving an ASC or outpatient surgery center represented an investment of $50 million or more.
10 highest-paying cities for physicians in 2020
Milwaukee is the highest paying metropolitan city for physicians, according to Doximity's 2020 Physician Compensation Report.
ASCs projected to take 68% of orthopedic surgeries by mid-decade — 5 insights
ASCs will perform an estimated 68 percent of orthopedic surgeries by the mid-2020s, according to Research and Markets' "2020 Ambulatory Surgery Center Market Report" published Oct 21.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Oregon suspends license of physician who discouraged mask-wearing
An Oregon physician who publicly spoke out against wearing a mask to slow the spread of COVID-19 has had his medical license suspended, according to The Washington Post.
New Hampshire hospital CEO to step down
Dr. Ryan didn't give a reason for her departure. She has helmed the 35-bed hospital for the past decade. She told Cottage Hospital's board on Nov. 19 that she will exit her role Jan. 30.
Mercy employee wrongfully viewed medical records: 4 details
St. Louis-based Mercy Health reported a former employee unnecessarily viewed medical records and breached patient information, according to a Dec. 4 announcement.
How Providence will bring remote employees back to the office post-COVID
As COVID-19 spread across the U.S. early this year, hospitals and health systems adjusted their workforce. Many administrative workers who could work from home were instructed to do so, and they have remained remote.