On the heels of the challenges of 2023, spine surgeons are thinking strategically in 2024. Four spine surgeons discuss how to get ahead of the curve for long-term stability.
Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses.
Next question: What will the outpatient spine surgery landscape look like in five years?
Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What should savvy spine practice owners do differently in 2024 for long-term stability?
Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): In 2024, savvy spine practice owners should consider implementing a few strategies for long-term stability. They should prioritize innovation and stay up to date with the latest advancements in spine surgery techniques and technologies. This may involve investing in new equipment, training staff on emerging procedures, and attending industry conferences and workshops.
By incorporating these strategies, spine practice owners can position themselves for long-term stability and continue to provide high-quality care to their patients in 2024 and beyond.
Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Stability is the exact opposite of what to expect in the coming years. While I don't have all the answers and am constantly surprised by the double standards governing medicine at this time, I have become aware of a few trends for people to keep an eye on in order to hold on, and hopefully prosper.
1. Document nonsurgical treatments for patients in as much detail as possible when submitting authorization for treatment.
2. Advocate for patients to speak to their congresspeople, state attorneys general and departments of insurance to fight insurance denials. Provide them material and contact information to battle on their own behalf.
3. Coordinate as much as possible with other physicians who share similar goals as you do.
William Taylor, MD. University of California San Diego Health: We believe that the continued diversification of practice patterns that will include spine surgeons delving into pain, management issues, and pain management continue to advance into outpatient surgery.
Integration of both specialities within a group practice will be a key for continued, volume growth and integration.
Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Clearly the vulnerabilities in healthcare register with insurers, coverage and reimbursements with the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services setting goals of increasingly tying Medicare payment to value, (value-based care and alternative payment models). There will be more of a focus on outpatient services and bundling of services to silo-based payment modules, shifting cost and value to the provider and hospital.