Three spine surgeons discuss what they are most looking forward to in the new year.
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. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.
Next week's question: What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish in 2018?
Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 5 p.m. CST.
Question: What excites you most about 2018?
Brian R. Gantwerker, MD. Founder of the Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: In 2018, we will see the explosion of spinal robotics and endoscopic spine surgery. Seeing patients leave the hospital sooner and in better condition will result, I think, in better outcomes. I have also set a goal in 2018 of doing more outpatient spine, and spending more time out of the hospital is very exciting.
Payam Farjoodi, MD. Orthopedic Spine Surgeon at Spine Health Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center (Fountain Valley, Calif.): The promise of improvements to healthcare in general — hopefully, resulting in increased access to good care for more folks.
Richard Kube, MD. Founder and CEO of Prairie Spine & Pain Institute (Peoria, Ill.): I am excited to see what happens in the bundled payments market for healthcare. As increasing numbers of individuals are educated about healthcare and provided true free market solutions, they will see how value can be achieved and costs can come down instead of marching ever upward. It is an amazing opportunity for self-insured corporations of all sizes who have seen their costs skyrocket. Price transparencies as seen in the free market allow them to shop and allow for providers compete on the value of their services and products. It's time to open the black box and demystify the industry.