May 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
ON THE COVER
Will disc replacement supersede spinal fusion? 8 spine surgeons weigh in
On the back of two-year data comparing the M6-C cervical disc with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion published in The Spine Journal, eight surgeons discuss the future of total disc replacement in spine:
Newsweek's top orthopedic hospitals in the US
Newsweek ranked the best hospitals worldwide across five specialties in its "World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2021" list.
16 of the largest orthopedic practices in the US
Sixteen of the largest orthopedic practices in the U.S., ranked by the number of physicians on staff.
Spine surgery in 2030 — 6 surgeon predictions
From the rise of robots to the use of big data and a move away from hospital-owned practices, changes in the field of spine surgery will be very evident by 2030, six spine surgeons predict.
5 updates on Elon Musk's surgical robot
Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk is developing the Neuralink surgical robot that will be used for neuroscience.
4 key questions on the future of spine surgery at ASCs
Four spine leaders answer four questions on how spine surgery will develop at ASCs:
Spine, total joint bundles lead to cost savings of 10.7%, study finds
When cost-sharing is waived for patients using bundled payment programs for spinal fusion and total joint replacement, surgery costs can decrease by an average of $4,229, or 10.7 percent, according to a study by nonprofit organization Rand Corp.
2 more spine surgeons sentenced for roles in $40M kickback scheme
Two more spine surgeons received prison sentences March 18 for their roles in a $40 million kickback scheme at the now-defunct physician-owned Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Why endoscopic spine surgery in the US lags behind Europe, Asia
Endoscopic spine surgery is growing in popularity among surgeons in the U.S., but lags growth in Asia and Europe. Reimbursement shackles and a lack of training are two big hurdles affecting its adoption.
SPINE SURGEONS
4 key questions on the future of spine surgery at ASCs
Four spine leaders answer four questions on how spine surgery will develop at ASCs:
Neurosurgeon's license restricted over unnecessary spine surgery allegations: 4 details
Washington state health officials restricted the license of a Spokane-based neurosurgeon after he was accused of performing spine surgeries that weren't medically necessary, according to a report from The Spokesman-Review.
Spine, total joint bundles lead to cost savings of 10.7%, study finds
When cost-sharing is waived for patients using bundled payment programs for spinal fusion and total joint replacement, surgery costs can decrease by an average of $4,229, or 10.7 percent, according to a study by nonprofit organization Rand Corp.
Cedars-Sinai names Dr. David Skaggs as co-director of spine center
Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has appointed David Skaggs, MD, co-director of its spine center, director of the pediatrics program and executive vice chair of the department of orthopedics.
Dr. John Peloza to return to The Steadman Clinic
John Peloza, MD, is returning to Vail, Colo.-based The Steadman Clinic after spending several decades developing his own practice in Dallas.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Spine care delivery will look very different in 5 years: 10 surgeon insights
From multidisciplinary spine centers to the continued growth of telehealth and rapid migration to the outpatient setting, 10 surgeons outline how spine care delivery will evolve in the next five years.
'A true paradigm shift': 6 surgeons on endoscopic spine surgery
Endoscopic spine surgery offers many benefits over traditional spinal fusion, including shorter operative times, less bleeding and quicker recovery times.
How 9 spine surgeons keep their skill sets sharp: Drs. Robert Bray Jr., Neel Shah & more
From pursuing learning opportunities to discussions with colleagues and continuing to practice your craft, nine spine surgeons share how they maintain their skill sets.
Key considerations for adding spine procedures: 2 surgeons weigh in
From surgical benefits to payer challenges and implementation protocols, two spine surgeons outline key considerations for adding a new spine procedure:
Downsides to robots + 2 other thoughts on spine tech from Dr. Stephen Hochschuler
Stephen Hochschuler, MD, co-founder and chair emeritus of Plano-based Texas Back Institute, talked about spine innovations, technology and private practice on the "Becker's Healthcare Spine and Orthopedic Podcast."
DEVICES & IMPLANTS
Former NuVasive CEO to exit board
Gregory Lucier will retire from the company's board of directors May 18.
Camber Spine introduces portfolio for OLIF technique
Devicemaker Camber Spine has launched a set of devices and tools that surgeons can use to perform oblique lateral interbody fusion.
Missouri hospital debuts 7D surgical system for spine
Kansas City, Mo.-based St. Joseph Medical Center debuted the 7D Surgical Flash navigation system.
GE Healthcare imaging system cleared for spine, total joint surgery
The FDA has provided clearance for GE Healthcare's OEC 3D surgical imaging system for spine surgery and joint replacement.
Alphatec launches posterior fixation system for whole spine
Medical device company Alphatec Holdings launched the InVictus Occipital-Cervical-Thoracic Spinal Fixation System.
ASC
Largest health insurers by state
Nearly 11.5 million people purchased health insurance in 2020 through a state marketplace, also known as individual health insurance, according to ValuePenguin, a resource for consumer financial decisions.
160-physician orthopedic group streamlines surgical scheduling with new platform
The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Bethesda, Md., is installing a Surgimate Practice platform to facilitate surgical scheduling across its 28 divisions in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
20 states that spend the most, least on Medicaid: WalletHub
WalletHub released its "2021's States with the Most and Least Medicaid Coverage" list March 15, analyzing Medicaid coverage and spending across the U.S.
Northern Arizona Healthcare program designated Orthopedic and Spine Institute
The orthopedics program at Flagstaff-based Northern Arizona Healthcare has been designated as an Orthopedic and Spine Institute, two years after its inception, the Arizona Daily Sun reported Feb. 22.
Surgeries should be delayed 7 weeks after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, study suggests
Patients who have COVID-19 should delay getting a surgical procedure at least seven weeks because of increased postoperative death rates, according to a study published March 9 in Anesthesia.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
Spectrum Health ends probe of insensitive Instagram posts, takes 'corrective action'
Spectrum Health said it has concluded its investigation and taken "corrective action" after photos taken in operating rooms accompanied by insensitive comments were posted to an Instagram account linked to 35 medical residents at the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based system.
54% of providers changed contactless payment strategy amid the pandemic
The pandemic forced healthcare providers to modernize their revenue cycle practices and offer more digital options, and patients want that trend to remain, according to survey results released March 23 by InstaMed, J.P. Morgan's healthcare billing and payment company.
5 states with the highest medical malpractice payouts
Texas is the state with the lowest medical malpractice award payout amount per capita, according to an analysis by WalletHub, a personal finance website.
USC to pay $1.1B settlement over physician sex abuse scandal
The University of Southern California in Los Angeles agreed to pay $1.1 billion to hundreds of patients who filed class-action lawsuits accusing a former student health gynecologist of repeated sexual abuse, according to The New York Times.
Tennessee hospital abruptly closes
Jellico (Tenn.) Medical Center closed March 1, days after the city council voted to send a contract termination notice to the hospital's operator, Rennova Health, according to TV station WBIR.