Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Sept. 28, 2017.
BCBS Michigan 1st private payer to cover Paradigm Spine's coflex
A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medical Policy represents the first commercial payer to issue a positive coverage policy for a new lumbar spinal stenosis treatment. The policy, "Interspinous/Interlaminar Stabilization/Distraction Devices (Spacers)," covers Paradigm Spine's coflex Interlaminar Stabilization. The coflex is a non-fusion, motion-preserving implant used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis.
Medicrea reports 1st-ever 360-degree customized spine surgery
Benjamin Taylor, MBBS, performed a 360-degree spine surgery leveraging a customized combination of Medicrea's proprietary UNiD ASI system technology. He utilized an anterior approach to implant three custom UNiD cages between the lumbar vertebrae. During the second-stage of the operation, Dr. Taylor implanted two patient-specific UNiD Rods via a posterior approach.
Wisconsin health system blames Cerner software for $16M in losses
Fond Du Lac, Wis.-based Agnesian Healthcare is suing Cerner, claiming issues with its revenue cycle management software caused the system to lose $16 million. In its complaint, filed Sept. 15, Agnesian alleges it began experiencing "pervasive errors" in patient billing immediately after going live on Cerner's RCM system in August 2015. Read more about the case, here.
100+ surgeons implant Stryker's Serrato Pedicle Screws in 1st month, full commercialization still to come
More than 100 surgeons across the U.S. have used Stryker's Serrato Pedicle Screws since receiving FDA approval on Aug. 16. Serrato Pedicle Screws are the first dual-thread screws designed to reduce work by lowering the insertion torque, which allows for precise insertion and immediate bone engagement.
Las Vegas police officer fatally shoots man in custody at University Medical Center
A Las Vegas police officer shot and killed a man who was in custody at Las Vegas-based University Medical Center early Sept. 25 after the man pointed a Taser that was left in the room at the officer, according to The New York Times. Read more about the incident, here.
Hurricane Maria damages Medtronic, other medtech facilities in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico last week and wreaked considerable havoc on the island's infrastructure, damaged medtech facilities located on the island including a Medtronic facility, according to the Star Tribune. The plant closed amid the storm and the company's emergency response team is staying connected with employees on the island. Additional medtech companies with locations on the island include Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific and Merck & Co.
40% of physicians are somewhat satisfied with practice's efficiency
When asked about a practice's overall efficiency, more than 50 percent of physician said they were either very or somewhat satisfied with their practice's efficiency, according to Medscape. Forty percent of physicians reported being somewhat satisfied with their practice's efficiency while 15 percent said they were very satisfied. Read more about the survey here.
SeaSpine initiates full commercial launch of Shoreline Anterior Cervical Standalone System
SeaSpine reported the full commercial launch of its Shoreline Anterior Cervical Standalone System. Intended to offer maximum flexibility and modularity, the Shoreline system comes in zero- and low-profile plating options with two, three or four holes. The system features NanoMetalene surface technology, which is a titanium surface that still offers biocompatibility, elasticity like bone and radiographic visibility.