Three spine surgeons share ways to take advantage of the state of the orthopedic field.
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: Will consolidation continue to be a trend post-pandemic? What are the most important considerations when deciding on a strategic partner today?
Please send responses to Alan Condon at acondon@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday, June 24.
Note: The following responses were lightly edited for style and clarity.
Question: How can spine surgeons capitalize on the current state of the field?
Jeffrey Wang, MD. USC Spine Center (Los Angeles): Take the time and energy to explore opportunities to become more efficient. Sometimes it takes adversity to stimulate one to change attitudes and old processes, and one may find better ways to do things. Those who take the time during this slower period to try to improve things will be ahead of the rest.
Brian Gantwerker, MD. Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: I believe being shrewd and selective in whom you operate on will continue to be paramount. Patient selection dictates outcome. Your outcomes are your reputation. And your reputation is almost all you have.
Richard Kube, MD. Prairie Spine (Peoria, Ill.): In short, do work at an ASC or own your own facility. One thing should be apparent after this pandemic: Why have an elective surgery in a building full of sick and dying people when you can go to a boutique facility? There is far greater ability to control the traffic at these small private facilities. They are not housing ill individuals. For a young and healthy person able to safely have a procedure performed in this type of environment, the choice is clear.