Here are the top 10 must read Becker's Spine Review stories on orthopedic news from May.
Orthopedic surgeon charged with murder of Stryker sales rep in South Carolina
South Carolina-based orthopedic surgeon Adam Lazzarini, MD, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and obstructing justice after a CrossLink Orthopaedics/Stryker sales representative died of a gunshot wound in Dr. Lazzarini's home October 2017.
Dr. James Andrews ranks as No. 7 richest physician in the world
Ranker Review published its "Top 10 Richest Doctors" in the World in 2018 list and named orthopedic and sports medicine specialist James Andrews, MD, No. 7. Dr. Andrews earned his position as one of the richest physicians in the world after treating hundreds of injured athletes. His net worth is estimated between $10 million to $100 million.
Orthopedic surgeon who shot sales rep had been drinking alcohol; new evidence emerges in case
Details continue to emerge surrounding the shooting death of an orthopedic device sales representative at the home of Adam Lazzarini, MD. A warrant released earlier in May states Dr. Lazzarini had been drinking prior to the incident and made "false and conflicting statements to officers" after the event. His actions have culminated in charges of involuntary manslaughter and obstruction of justice.
4 small screws in foot cost patient $15k, total patient bill tops $115k
Sherry Young was experiencing chronic pain in her left foot. To manage the pain, an orthopedic surgeon at Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City recommended surgery. Ms. Young had undergone foot surgeries in the past and her insurer BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma typically picked up the bill. However, days after her most recent foot surgery, Ms. Young was left with a $115,572 bill for a three-day hospital stay.
Stryker CEO thinks 50% of hospitals with orthopedic practices are candidates for Mako
Stryker reported a 9.2 percent increase in first quarter 2018 sales to $3.2 billion, with a 7.1 percent increase in orthopedic sales year-over-year. During the first quarter conference call, CEO Kevin Lobo and COO Katherine Own discussed Stryker's robotic technology — Mako — and the transition of orthopedics into the outpatient setting.
Orthopedic surgeon salary in the UK, Canada & Australia
The average U.S. orthopedic specialist salary is $497,000, according to the "Medscape Orthopedist Compensation Report 2018." But how does this compare to orthopedic surgeon compensation in the U.K., Canada and Australia? The following represents compensation statistics for orthopedic surgeons in these three regions, according to PayScale.
Dr. Richard Rothman retires from surgery at 81, but still plans on a 60-hour work week
With 50 years of experience and up to 50,000 joint replacements performed, Richard Rothman, MD, PhD, 81, retired. Dr. Rothman will still work about 60 hours a week. Among other activities, he will see patients pre- and postoperatively and help two Chinese firms, an orthopedic implant manufacturer and a group of private hospitals, in which he is a minority investor.
Marshalltown Orthopedics closes amid surgeon investigation
Marshalltown (Iowa) Orthopedics PC shut its doors May 31. The practice didn't comment on why it's closing, but one of its surgeons is the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Premier analysis: Total joint replacement implant pricing parity could save hospitals up to $42.8M
Hospitals could save $23.7 million for knee implants and $19.1 million for hip implants, according to a Premier analysis. The analysis of 869 hospitals between October 2015 to March 2017 found improvements in length-of-stay, with half of all total joint replacement cases falling between two and three days.
Rothman Institute to add Aria Orthopedics' 6 physicians
Philadelphia-based Rothman Institute added six physicians from Aria Orthopedics, also based in Philadelphia. Rothman will add office locations in Bensalem, Philadelphia and Newtown, Pa., as a result of the partnership. The new surgeons will continue to perform surgical cases at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia and Jefferson Bucks Hospital in Langhorne, Pa.