Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for March 29, 2018.
Stryker's CEO Kevin Lobo's total compensation topped $14M in 2017
Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo's total compensation reached just over $14 million in 2017. In 2016, the CEO's total compensation was $12.8 million and in 2015 it topped $10.5 million.
Pain physician charged in fraud scheme, ordered to pay $8.7M
Dover, Mass.-based pain management physician Fathallah Mashali, MD, was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to pay more than $8.7 million for defrauding Medicare, insurancenewsnet.com reports. Dr. Mashali was accused of falsely billing Medicare from approximately October 2010 through March 2013 for medical services he didn't provide. In March 2017, he pleaded guilty to 44 counts of healthcare fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering. Read more about the case, here.
Best and worst states for physicians in 2018
WalletHub analysts assessed the opportunity and competition as well as medical environment for physicians in each of the 50 states and District of Columbia. South Dakota tops the list and New Jersey comes in last. See the other best and worst states, here.
Scoliosis surgery readmissions increase total costs $86k in 2 years
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines how readmissions increase the total cost of care for spinal deformity surgery. The readmission rates were 24 percent overall, and cost around $10.1 million for the population studied. Two years after surgery, the average readmission cost was $86,081. Read more about the study, here.
Zimmer Biomet signs agreement with Department of Energy to reduce energy use by 25%
Zimmer Biomet entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to join its Better Buildings, Better Plants program. By joining the program, Zimmer Biomet committed to reducing its energy intensity by 25 percent over the next 10 years. The program also incorporates water-reduction components for sustainability.
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center to compete with $50M orthopedic hospital
With its lease at St. Thomas Health in Akron, Ohio, ending in December 2020, Crystal Clinic is developing a new orthopedic facility in Fairlawn, Ohio, for $100 million. The new clinic will include 60 beds for specialty orthopedic surgery and nonsurgical care services.
RTI's SImmetry System delivers 65-71% reduction in joint motion
A new study published in The Spine Journal assessed the RTI Surgical's SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System. Researchers discovered the SImmetry implants offered a 65 percent to 71 percent reduction in joint motion using multiple implant configurations. Read more from the study, here.
Paradigm Spine boosts leadership with 4 appointments
Paradigm Spine appointed four new people to its leadership team. The new leaders include Francis Magee, DVM, a chief technology officer, Charlie Gilbride as executive vice president of sales and marketing, Tim Hein as vice president of sales and Lisa Denison as vice president of marketing.