Researchers at Dartmouth Atlas, in conjunction with the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation, looked at Medicare patients nationwide and found discrepancies in the prescribing of elective surgery, including spine procedures. Physician preference and geographical location largely determine who does and does not receive surgical treatment for their condition, according to the report.
The average rate of spine surgery to treat acute low back pain was 4.7 per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries. Casper, Wyo., had the highest rate, with 10.1 surgeries per 1,000 patients. Honolulu had one of the lowest rates, with 1.5 surgeries per 1,000.
The New England region also had substantially less surgeries prescribed than Northwest.
More Articles on Spine:
Dr. Usman Zahir Joins Medstar St. Mary's Hospital in Maryland
Financial Planning for Orthopedic Surgeons Before the Fiscal Cliff: Q&A With Eido Walny
Spine Surgeon Dr. Connor Telles Joins Sierra Pacific Orthopedics
The average rate of spine surgery to treat acute low back pain was 4.7 per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries. Casper, Wyo., had the highest rate, with 10.1 surgeries per 1,000 patients. Honolulu had one of the lowest rates, with 1.5 surgeries per 1,000.
The New England region also had substantially less surgeries prescribed than Northwest.
More Articles on Spine:
Dr. Usman Zahir Joins Medstar St. Mary's Hospital in Maryland
Financial Planning for Orthopedic Surgeons Before the Fiscal Cliff: Q&A With Eido Walny
Spine Surgeon Dr. Connor Telles Joins Sierra Pacific Orthopedics