Here are seven things for spinal surgeons to know for July 16, 2015.
Surgeon Scorecard — Good or bad for spine?
ProPublica released the "Surgeon Scorecard" database as part of the ongoing "Dollars to Doctors" feature for patients to gauge their providers' complication rates. The North American Spine Society leadership worked with ProPublica to identify appropriate elective procedures, define "complications" and offer ongoing risk-adjustment guidance for the scorecard project.
Neurosurgeons vs. orthopedic spine surgeons: Is there a difference in spinal fusion outcomes?
A new article published in Spine examines the factors impacting 30-day perioperative outcomes for spinal fusion by specialty. There were 9,719 patients who received spinal fusions by either orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons. Perioperative outcomes were similar, for the most part, between orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. Orthopedic surgeons performed more lumbar cases — 76 percent — versus neurosurgeons — 65 percent.
Study: The factors impacting spine patient satisfaction out of the spine surgeon's control
A study published in Spine examined the patient characteristics that could impact satisfaction scores at spine clinics. Researchers found that the male patients were significantly less satisfied with clinical visits when compared with female patients. Also, worker's compensation patients were significantly less satisfied with their provider and overall quality of care.
Medtronic to acquire RF Surgical Systems
Medtronic signed a definitive agreement to acquire Carlsbad, Calif.-based device company RF Surgical Systems for about $235 million. RF Surgical Systems focuses on the detection and prevention of retained surgical items, such as sponge, gauze or towel.
NuVasive shakes up leadership team
Pat Miles is the new president and COO. He'll lead NuVasive global operations, product development and marketing services teams. Matt Link is the new president, U.S. commercial; and Quentin Blackford is the executive vice president and CFO.
OrthoIndy to spend $3.8M on urgent care clinics
OrthoIndy is spending $3.8 million over the next three years to develop urgent care clinics. The seven clinics will focus on patients with orthopedic-related injuries. The urgent care model will increase patient flow as the practice is overcoming challenges from healthcare reform.
CMS proposes changes to Physician Fee Schedule
CMS has released a proposed rule that would update the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2016. Among other changes, in the proposed rule, CMS calls for the government to establish separate payment codes and rates for two advance care planning services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.