From the 71 spine procedures that CMS could return to the inpatient-only list to the highest-paid CEOs in the spine device industry, here are 10 key reads for spine surgeons in August:
1. $3.5M kickback scheme allegedly involved 3 physicians at Maryland spine group
Three physicians affiliated with Rockville, MD.-based National Spine & Pain Centers have been named as defendants in a $3.5 million kickback scheme that allegedly ordered unnecessary genetic tests for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Read more here.
2. 20 best hospitals for orthopedics, ranked by US News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report on July 27 posted its 2021-22 best hospitals for orthopedics rankings, with Hospital for Special Surgery earning the top spot for the 12th consecutive year. Read more here.
3. 298 musculoskeletal-related procedures could return to CMS' inpatient-only list in 2022
CMS proposed bringing back the 298 primarily musculoskeletal-related services removed this year from its inpatient-only list for 2022. Read more here.
4. 5 highest-paid CEOs of spine, orthopedic device companies
Here are the highest-paid CEOs at publicly traded spine and orthopedic device companies. Read more here.
5. Orthopedic surgical hospital wins approval despite pushback from medical center
A group of 29 orthopedic surgeons received approval July 22 for a proposed 24-bed orthopedic surgical hospital in Delray Beach, Fla. Read more here.
6. 71 spine procedures CMS may not pay for at ASCs in 2022
Seventy-one spine-related procedures and their codes that CMS may not pay for at ASCs next year. Read more here.
7. Orthopedic surgeon in legal battle with Adena joins competing system
An orthopedic surgeon previously employed with Adena Health System, is now practicing with Columbus-based OhioHealth. Read more here.
8. Wife of patient who died after receiving TB-infected allograft sues
The wife of an Indiana man who died of tuberculosis after receiving Aziyo Biologics' recalled allograft is suing the company. Read more here.
9. Zimmer Biomet paid $241M less to surgeons in 2020 — Here's how 8 orthopedic companies compare
Orthopedic devicemakers' general payments to surgeons plunged in 2020 compared to 2019 as elective surgeries and in-person visits were largely stunted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here.
10. CMS needs to revisit 2022 outpatient proposal, Twin Cities Orthopedics president says
Twin Cities Orthopedics' president discussed CMS' proposed changes for 2022 and outlined why he believes the agency should revisit this proposal with more input from all orthopedic stakeholders. Read more here.