October 2024 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
ON THE COVER
How single-specialty ASCs may have an advantage
As the ASC market becomes increasingly competitive with more players vying for market share, a successful strategy may be the difference between ASCs that thrive and those that struggle.
An overlooked issue with spine technology
Enabling technologies are becoming more entrenched in and more widely adopted in spine surgery, but there is a concern that the next generation of surgeons may rely too heavily on new technology to help them through complex surgeries.
The meetings that keep Cedars-Sinai's spine faculty strong
Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has remained a leader in spine surgery on the West Coast, and its department co-directors said they focus on keeping their staff sharp.
2 OSF surgeons look to stand out with new endoscopic spine program
Max Kahn, MD, and Sohail Syed, MD, said they're both optimistic about the direction endoscopic spine surgery is taking, and they see its growing potential in spinal care.
The spine procedures eligible for UnitedHealthcare's new gold card program
On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare released a list of procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold card program, which aims to save patients and providers time by allowing qualifying providers to skip the prior authorization process for a number of procedure codes.
Spine surgeon donates $120M to UCLA
Spine surgeon and philanthropist Gary Michelson, MD, and his wife, Alya, donated $120 million to the University of California Los Angeles for its California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy.
How 4 orthopedic leaders are addressing financial headwinds
From Medicare pay cuts to inflation, spine and orthopedic leaders are constantly thinking about how to stay on top of the next financial challenge that comes their way.
Spine surgeon alignment dropped screw price 67% at ASC
More spine cases are moving to outpatient surgery centers as procedures become less invasive and payers recognize the value. But unless surgery centers are aligned with vendors on implant pricing, they will lose money.
ASC leader pay soars
ASC leaders reported big earnings growth in the last year with more than three quarters now earning six figures, according to OR Manager.
CEO rebuilds Pennsylvania system after $440M loss
West Reading, Pa.-based Tower Health's new-look leadership team, organizational structure and culture have helped the health system improve its financial performance by more than $160 million year over year while a debt refinancing deal has secured a longer runway to return to profitability.
SPINE
The spine procedures eligible for UnitedHealthcare's new gold card program
On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare released a list of procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold card program, which aims to save patients and providers time by allowing qualifying providers to skip the prior authorization process for a number of procedure codes.
Spine surgeon donates $120M to UCLA
Spine surgeon and philanthropist Gary Michelson, MD, and his wife, Alya, donated $120 million to the University of California Los Angeles for its California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy.
Where do spine robots shine, falter in lumbar pedicle screw placement?
Facet joint violation by pedicle screws under robotic guidance was reduced at some parts of the lumbar spine compared to CT navigation during lumbar spine surgery, according to a study published Aug. 12 in The Spine Journal.
How ASCs can unlock profits with outpatient spine migration
The demand for outpatient spine surgery is growing as technological developments make high-acuity procedures more feasible in the ASC setting.
Lumbar spinal fusion reoperation rates: Does technique matter?
Single-level lumbar spinal fusions had similar reoperation rates between anterolateral and posterior surgical techniques, according to a study in the September 1 issue of Spine.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
The meetings that keep Cedars-Sinai's spine faculty strong
Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai has remained a leader in spine surgery on the West Coast, and its department co-directors said they focus on keeping their staff sharp.
2 OSF surgeons look to stand out with new endoscopic spine program
Max Kahn, MD, and Sohail Syed, MD, said they're both optimistic about the direction endoscopic spine surgery is taking, and they see its growing potential in spinal care.
NASS' next president to continue a collaborative mindset: 6 Qs with Dr. Kreiner
D. Scott Kreiner, MD, who was named the next president of the North American Spine Society, said he plans to focus on collaboration.
How 1 spine surgeon pitched – and won support for – endoscopic procedures
Ryan Sauber, MD, began performing uniportal endoscopic spine surgery at Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network in May and is navigating the successes and challenges coming along.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
The questions to ask yourself before starting a spine practice, per Dr. Arthur Jenkins
About seven years ago, Arthur Jenkins, III, MD, left his post at New York City-based Mount Sinai to open his own private practice.
How 4 orthopedic leaders are addressing financial headwinds
From Medicare pay cuts to inflation, spine and orthopedic leaders are constantly thinking about how to stay on top of the next financial challenge that comes their way.
Former Rothman CEO remembered for authenticity, being 'loved by everybody'
Mike West, who led Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, for 22 years died Sept. 16 at age 65.
Why orthopedic MSOs are the 'private practice version 2.0'
David Fitzgerald, CEO of OrthoNY in Albany, is excited about the potential that strong partners can bring to independent physician practices.
DEVICES & IMPLANTS
Kevin Lobo 10th highest-paid healthcare CEO: WSJ
Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo is the 10th-highest paid healthcare CEO, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Spine surgeon alignment dropped screw price 67% at ASC
More spine cases are moving to outpatient surgery centers as procedures become less invasive and payers recognize the value. But unless surgery centers are aligned with vendors on implant pricing, they will lose money.
Stryker to acquire spine company
Stryker signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vertos Medical, a pain management company.
ASC
How single-specialty ASCs may have an advantage
As the ASC market becomes increasingly competitive with more players vying for market share, a successful strategy may be the difference between ASCs that thrive and those that struggle.
ASC leader pay soars
ASC leaders reported big earnings growth in the last year with more than three quarters now earning six figures, according to OR Manager.
UnitedHealthcare releases gold-card eligible procedure codes
On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare released a list of procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold card program.
The 19 states facing a potential physician deficit by 2028
There are 19 states that are projected to have a shortage of physicians by 2028, according to a report from Mercer, a consulting firm.
HEALTHCARE NEWS
CEO rebuilds Pennsylvania system after $440M loss
West Reading, Pa.-based Tower Health's new-look leadership team, organizational structure and culture have helped the health system improve its financial performance by more than $160 million year over year while a debt refinancing deal has secured a longer runway to return to profitability.
Health systems brace for the 'silver tsunami'
Around 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old every day, gaining access to Medicare benefits. The number of Medicare beneficiaries is expected to continue growing in the next five years, and health systems are making changes to keep up.