Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for March 16, 2017.
Mazor X now utilized in 5 hospitals worldwide
Five U.S. hospitals currently utilize Mazor X. Idaho Falls-based Bingham Memorial Hospital has advanced its spine surgery program by purchasing Israel-based Mazor Robotics' Mazor X.
US physician shortage may hit 100k+ by 2030
The Association of American Medical Colleges reported an estimated national shortage of between 40,800 and 104,900 physicians by 2030. The report projects a shortage of between 7,300 and 43,100 primary care physicians and a shortage of between 33,500 and 61,800 specialists by 2030.
HSS to advance musculoskeletal care value with new center
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery opened the Center for the Advancement of Value in Musculoskeletal Care. Catherine H. MacLean, MD, PhD, HHS' chief value medical officer, and Jordan Harmon, managing director, will head the center. HSS established the Center for the Advancement of Value in Musculoskeletal Care with the intention of advancing the operations and science of high-quality musculoskeletal care globally.
Inspired Spine's study on minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion favorable for outpatient setting
Minneapolis-based Inspired Spine published results from its study on minimally invasive direct lateral interbody fusion. MIS-DLIF is designed to reduce back pain in patients suffering from degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or disc herniation. Patients experienced an average pain score of 9.3 on a 10-point sliding scale prior to surgery. During the first surgery follow up, patients noted an average pain score of 4.8.
Seema Verma steps into CMS administrator role
The Senate confirmed Ms. Verma new CMS administrator in a 55-43 vote on March 13, 2017. Ms. Verma said she supports Medicaid reforms intended to boost health outcomes, during her confirmation hearing in February 2017.
1st-year residents' shift cap to increase to 24 hours in July
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education announced residency programs may extend first-year resident hours from 16 hours to 24 hours, starting July 1, 2017. The revision allows for an additional four hours to manage care transitions. The shift expansion is intended to enhance continuity of care, clinical teamwork and resident learning experience.
SpineGuard and Zavation's DSG SmartScrew offer one-step insertion
France-based SpineGuard and Flowood, Miss.-based Zavation announced the successful completion of 20 U.S.-based surgeries using dynamic surgical guidance SmartScrew technology. The DSG SmartScrew technology provides surgeons with real-time auditory guidance to help them insert the screw in one step.
Global cervical total disc replacement device market to see growth in ASC sector
The global cervical total disc replacement device market is set to expand through 2021, according to a Reportlinker analysis. Key trends driving the market include technological advancements; robust research and development activity investments; and an acquisition and merger surge. Although the hospital segment led the cervical total disc replacement device market in terms of end-user in 2014, ambulatory surgery centers are anticipated to grow at a higher compound annual growth rate through 2021.