September 2015 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
ON THE COVER
 |
Spine Surgery in a Value-Based World
|
 |
The Endless Possibilities in Spine Biologics, Artificial Disc & Outpatient Procedures |
 |
55 Statistics & Issues for Neurosurgeons, Orthopedic Spine Surgeons |
SPINE LEADERSHIP
Hospital Employment vs. Independent Practice: 4 Spine Surgeons Weigh In
Here five spine surgeons discuss the value of remaining in independent practice and the reasons behind the decision. Click here to Continue >>
Taking Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery International: What to Expect in the Future
There is tremendous change in minimally invasive spine surgery internationally. Click here to Continue >>
Neurosurgeons vs. Orthopedic Spine Surgeons: Is There a Difference in Spinal Fusion Outcomes? 5 Key Notes
A new article published in Spine examines the factors impacting 30-day perioperative outcomes for spinal fusion by specialty using the NSQIP database. Click here to Continue >>
Surgeon Scorecard — Good or Bad for Spine? - 5 Things to Know
ProPublica released the "Surgeon Scorecard" database as part of the ongoing "Dollars to Doctors" feature for patients to gauge their providers' complication rates. Click here to Continue >>
EXECUTIVE BRIEFINGS
Innovations in Cervical Integrated Interbody: What You Need to Know for Clinical Success
Centinel Spine, pioneers of STALIF C, has recently delivered several market-leading innovations in cervical spinal fusion procedures. Click here to Continue >>
Lumbar Sagittal Balance Restoration: The STALIF Difference
Normal spines have lordotic curves in the cervical and lumbar spine and a kyphotic curve in the thoracic spine for equal distribution of force across the spinal column. Click here to Continue >>
5 Trends Putting the Squeeze on Surgical Practices
The Internet has dramatically changed the way patients seek healthcare information across the board. Click here to Continue >>
Medial Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Different Approach to Posterior Fusion
Pressures from patients and the healthcare system at large for shorter hospitalization, quicker return to function, and reduced overall expense demand that today's spine surgeon develop expertise in anatomy conserving surgical techniques. Click here to Continue >>
Surface Technology for Spine Devices: Key Trends & Concepts
Surface technology is the new frontier for today's spine surgeons. Click here to Continue >>
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
CMS’ Final IPPS Rule for 2016: 10 Things to Know
CMS has issued its inpatient prospective payments systems final rule for fiscal year 2016, which calls for an increase in Medicare reimbursements to some hospitals in the next fiscal year. Click here to Continue >>
The Factors Impacting Spine Patient Satisfaction Out of the Spine Surgeon’s Control — 5 Key Notes
A study published in Spine examined the patient characteristics that could impact satisfaction scores at spine clinics. Click here to Continue >>
A Deeper Dive Into CMS’ Proposed Stark Law Modifications: 6 Key Points
CMS released a proposed rule earlier this month that would update the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2016. Click here to Continue >>
7 Profit-Driving Services That Improve Spine & Pain Practice Quality
Seven ancillary services that can boost profitability at spine and pain practices. Click here to Continue >>
SPINE DEVICE & INNOVATION
The Endless Possibilities in Spine Biologics, Artificial Disc & Outpatient Procedures
Domagoj Coric, MD, chief of neurosurgery at Carolinas Medical Center and surgeon at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, has his pulse on the developmental technologies in spine biologics and motion-preservation technology. Click here to Continue >>
NuVasive Q2 Revenue Up 6.4% to $202.9M: 7 Things to Know
NuVasive reported increased revenue for the second quarter of 2015. Click here to Continue >>
InVivo's Q2 Net Loss Hits $10.4M as Spinal Cord Injury Trial Shows Early Success: 5 Things to Know
InVivo Therapeutics reported $10.4 million net loss in the second quarter of 2015. Click here to Continue >>
Alphatec's Net Revenue Drops 12.3%: 8 Key Concepts
Alphatec Holdings, the parent company of Alphatec Spine, reported revenue was down 12.3 percent in the second quarter. Click here to Continue >>
How an Orthopedics-Focused ASC Corralled Implant Issues & Makes Big Spine Surgeries Cost-Effective
DISC Sports & Spine has two ambulatory surgery centers — one in Marina del Rey and the other in Newport Beach, Calif. — and both centers are thriving due to a dedicated team of medical specialists constantly looking for opportunities to improve. Click here to Continue >>
HEALTHCARE REFORM
Whistle-Blower Claims 2 NC Hospitals Bilked Medicare for Millions; Government Bows Out of Lawsuit
A newly unsealed whistle-blower lawsuit alleges two major hospitals in North Carolina artificially inflated their expenses to fraudulently obtain tens of millions of dollars from Medicare and Medicaid, according to a Charlotte Observer report. Click here to Continue >>
Anthem to Buy Cigna — And Then There Were Three: 7 Key Points
Anthem announced that it has reached terms to buy Cigna. Click here to Continue >>
7 Takeaways From Epic’s Annual Meeting — and Why Judy Faulkner Was Dressed as Lucille Ball
Epic Systems’ annual users’ group meeting kicked off at its Verona, Wis., campus, with founder and CEO Judy Faulkner delivering the executive address the next day. Click here to Continue >>
55 Statistics and Issues for Neurosurgeons and Orthopedic Spine Surgeons — Compensation, Global Device Market & More
Here are 55 statistics and issues for spine surgeons to know. Click here to Continue >>
8 Pain Physician Moves
Here are eight pain physicians on the move. Click here to Continue >>