Spine and orthopedic experts shared their insights on a variety of clinical, business and policy issues in their work during the third quarter of 2023.

Andrew Hecht, MD, is a professor of orthopedic surgery and of neurosurgery and the chief of spine surgery of the Mount Sinai Health System. He is also the spine surgical consultant for the NFL's New York Jets and NHL's New York Islanders.

Surgeons have to deal with many challenges throughout their careers with patient care, insurance and more.

The decision to become a surgeon looks different for each and every physician. 

Alok Sharan, MD, recently incorporated an IV vitamin infusion regimen at his practice, Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, N.J. 

Robert Masson, MD, of Masson Spine Institute in Orlando, Fla., had to weigh a tough decision amid financial headwinds and declining CMS pay.

Spine and orthopedic experts in August spoke with Becker's about topics from medtech mergers to hospital partnerships.

Some orthopedic practices have partnered with hospitals to support operations. However, the arrangement is not the best fit for all groups.

The spine and orthopedic medtech space has been abuzz with major company mergers in recent years. The news is major for stockholders, and physicians who use the technologies are keeping an eye on the deals.

The trend of surgical services migrating from high-acuity settings to ASCs is poised to continue.

Michael Ciccotti, MD, of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, wears many hats. He oversees sports medicine at Rothman, and he's the head team physician and medical director of the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Robert Grumet, MD, team physician for the Los Angeles Chargers and program director of the Irvine, Calif.-based Hoag Orthopedic Institute sports medicine fellowship, connected with Becker's to discuss the culture of orthopedics. 

Spine and orthopedic experts in July spoke with Becker's about topics from CMS policy to outdated industry trends.

Philip Louie, MD, and Venu Nemani, MD, PhD, spine surgeons at Seattle-based Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, began leveraging social media a year ago to bridge the gaps in spine care education, specifically among professional athletes.

Four spine and orthopedic surgeons discuss the top industry trends they're keeping an eye on in 2023.

Apple Vision Pro, an augmented reality headset from Apple, was unveiled in June. While the system is marketed for everyday use, like an iPhone, some physicians are thinking about its applications in medicine.

Spine surgeon Frank Cammisa Jr., MD, has had a long career at New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery as its chief emeritus of spine. In June, he was recognized for his work and earned HSS' Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frank Liporace, MD, chair of orthopedics at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., connected with Becker's to offer his advice for up-and-coming orthopedic surgeons.

Many spine surgeons have expressed frustration over CMS' proposed 2024 Medicare physician fee schedule and its 3.34 percent pay cut. Declining CMS fees have been an ongoing concern in the industry and the reason why Ara Deukmedjian, MD, decided to back out of Medicare more than a decade ago.

CMS on July 13 released its proposed 2024 Medicare physician fee schedule, and it includes a decreased conversion factor of 3.34 percent.