2024
July 2024 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
New spine codes to further clarify back pain
New updates in the family of ICD-10-CM codes will provide further specifications for back pain.
What is the future of ACDF?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is considered a "gold standard" in spine surgery, but it will likely be eclipsed by disc replacement.
What spine surgeons expect for the future of value-based care
Value-based care has seen some growth in spine and orthopedics, with some groups embracing the payment model.
Leave these trends in the past, spine surgeons say
As spine surgery technology and practice operations evolve, there are some trends that are ready to be sunsetted.
1.26% of lumbar disc replacements needed revisions, Texas Back Institute surgeons find
Over 20 years, only 1.26% of lumbar disc replacements have needed a follow-up revision surgery or removal, spine surgeons at Texas Back Institute found.
2 CMS spine proposals to know
CMS is proposing two new developments in spine-related coding and payments, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery said April 17.
What's holding back outpatient spine growth?
Outpatient spine surgery has grown significantly in recent years thanks to new technologies and the adoption of minimally invasive techniques. However, some factors in the healthcare industry are slowing its trajectory.
Why new ASCs could fall short
Investing in ASCs presents healthcare professionals with opportunities that may not be available to players in other markets.
Take the vacation, says Children's National CEO
Michelle Riley-Brown is less than a year into her role as president and CEO of Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., and she brings a passion for well-being and addressing today's healthcare challenges to the role.
April 2024 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Spine surgeon expects 'record year' for patient volume, revenue
Los Angeles-based DOCS Surgery Center had a record year for case volume and revenue, Co-CEO Khawar Siddique, MD, told Becker's
Why noncompetes are 'worthless' to Dr. Nicholas Grosso
In his time at Bethesda, Md.-based Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, Nicholas Grosso, MD, has found physician exits to be rare.
Surgeons warn of 'overutilization' of spinal fusion
Spinal fusions are a common option for addressing back pain and spine conditions. But some spine surgeons worry that the procedure could be overdone.
Spine surgeon vs. neurosurgeon salary – Does location matter in 2024?
Spine surgeons and neurosurgeons sometimes have overlap in the type of care they offer. However their training paths are unique, along with having varying compensation.
The tide is turning on healthcare megamergers
Proposed healthcare mergers and acquisitions are continuing to face backlash from hospital and physician groups along with state and federal lawmakers — signaling a turn of the tide against megadeals.
What an ASC did to avoid room shutdowns
Andrew Lovewell, CEO of Columbia (Mo.) Orthopaedic Group, realized his surgery center had a problem. The demand for services was high, but cases couldn't get scheduled because of gaps in anesthesia coverage.
Complex spine surgery can work in ASCs. Here are the steps to get there
More spine surgeries are migrating to ASCs, and the outpatient setting has been ideal for minimally invasive procedures. But work still needs to be done to optimize complex spine cases for ASCs.
CMS, Ozempic and more: 5 spine, orthopedic surgeon concerns in 2024
From noncompete clauses to GLP-1 weight loss drugs, several evolving policy and clinical issues are affecting spine and orthopedic surgeons headed into 2024.
Value-based care hit a 'stumbling block': 1 orthopedic surgeon explains why
Value-based care is a hot topic in orthopedic care, but its lack of consensus among payers, patients and physicians has been an obstacle, Michael Havig, MD, said.
January 2024 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Do spine patients prefer hospitals or ASCs?
The number of spinal procedures performed in the ASC setting is on the rise, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where can spine surgeons reduce costs?
Amid economic headwinds, spine surgeons are exploring different ways to reduce costs in their practices.
What the orthopedic surgery landscape will look like in 10 years
The orthopedic surgery landscape of today may not look the same tomorrow.
Cervical disc replacements plateaued
The volume of cervical disc replacements grew steadily for nearly a decade, but have leveled off in the last few years, according to a study published in the journal Spine.
ASC execs are bullish on growth. Here are 5 strategies on their radar
The year 2024 is around the corner and ASCs are employing several strategies to prepare for growth.
Walmart: Friend or foe to hospitals?
When Walmart founder Sam Walton declared the retailer's healthcare ambitions in 1991, he had harsh words for hospitals.
Will Ozempic alter spine, orthopedic fields?
GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are rising in popularity and evidence suggests their possible effectiveness for helping patients lose weight.
Spine surgeons' next payer battle
Spine surgeons saw a major victory in a yearslong payer battle this year when Aetna revised its lumbar disc replacement policy in February. Now, some surgeons are looking ahead to the next hurdle they could face from insurers.
Employment vs. private practice: Factors influencing spine surgeons’ decisions
Spine and orthopedic surgeons' decisions on where to practice is a consequential one whether they go to a hospital or a private group. Amid economic headwinds and workforce challenges in healthcare, the choice holds more weight than ever.
2023
November 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
OrthoIndy opens new hospital
Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy opened a new hospital and facility in Brownsburg, Ind.
Smaller devicemakers eye mergers in Q3
Large spine and orthopedic mergers have closed this year, and smaller device companies have sought to get their own slice of the pie during the third quarter.
How one state is fighting scope creep
This year, the Medical Society of the State of New York collaborated with state officials to defeat 15 pieces of legislation that would expand the scope of practice for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, allowing them to practice without physician supervision, according to a Sept. 6 report from the American Medical Association.
The cost of physician turnover
Physician turnover rates are increasing as more clinicians experience burnout and decide to retire early, leave the field or refresh their practice setting.
Leadership has its own retention problem
Amid staffing shortages and dipping engagement levels, workforce retention is top-of-mind for many healthcare leaders. But oftentimes, the problem extends beyond frontline employees and into management — even C-suites.
Are insurance companies determining the future of orthopedics?
As the orthopedic industry continues to innovate with new robotic, 3D-printed and GPS-guided navigation options, physicians are concerned that insurance companies won't be open to covering new care options.
Why this orthopedic leader thinks millennials are changing care delivery
The needs and preferences of millennials may be the catalyst for change in healthcare delivery.
Why mediation is necessary in orthopedic practice?hospital partnership
Smaller orthopedic practices may want to explore partnering with a hospital, but it should be done carefully, according to Bruce Prager, MD.
September 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
MedVanta adds 3 leaders
Orthopedic management services organization MedVanta added three leaders to its team.
7 big orthopedic device companies paid hundreds of millions to physicians last year
Orthopedic device companies paid millions to surgeons in 2020 despite the pandemic, according to the CMS Open Payments database.
The state with the most top-ranked neurosurgery hospitals
New York has the most top-ranked neurology and neurosurgery hospitals for 2023 and 2024, according to new data from U.S. News and World Report.
Inpatient spinal fusion costs vs. cervical spinal fusion costs in all 50 states
Spinal fusion tends to cost more compared to cervical spinal fusion, according to Sidecar Health's care calculator.
Stark law changes ramp up in 2023
Here are four Stark law changes Becker's has reported on since Feb. 15:
Where does spine need a disruptor most?
The spine surgery industry has seen major shifts through the years. But some areas may be due for a serious shakeup.
‘Most tone-deaf move to date’: Spine surgeons react to CMS’ proposed 3.34% pay cut
CMS on July 13 released its proposed 2024 Medicare physician fee schedule, and it includes a decreased conversion factor of 3.34 percent.
Could spine practices implement 4-day work weeks?
The five-day long work week is common for many professions, but reducing it by a day has become a new idea.
July 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
The future of orthopedics in 1 word
Ten surgeons connected with Becker's to describe the future of orthopedics in one word.
OrthoIllinois, Rockford Spine Center integrate
OrthoIllinois, a division of OrthoMidwest, will integrate with Rockford (Ill.) Spine Center on June 1.
10 private equity giants behind the ASC industry
Private equity has seen a huge growth opportunity in the ASC industry and the specialties the facilities offer, including gastroenterology and ophthalmology.
Spine surgeon performs spinal fusion on 95-year-old patient
Vijay Yanamadala, MD, of Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare spoke with Becker's about a recent spine case he performed on an older patient.
Here's what 3 spine surgeons are doing to keep practice costs lean
Between inflation and rising costs and reimbursement woes facing physicians, many spine surgeons are strategizing to manage finances at their practices.
Where are the women in orthopedics?
The orthopedic industry is ever-changing, with new robots and surgical techniques seemingly always around the corner. But one aspect of this vibrant industry hasn't changed much since its conception — the lack of women in the operating rooms.
Spine surgeons on the screen: What entertainment gets right, wrong about the job
The words "medical drama" make many people think of Grey's Anatomy and its beloved neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd. Many shows on the big and small screens have tried to provide a glimpse into what spine surgeons and neurosurgeons do.
Why spine surgeons should make investing a 2nd 'microcareer'
Physicians are up against several financial challenges in 2023, including recession fears and inflation that is ruining savings and retirement plans for many Americans.
May 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Geisinger Medical Center performs 1st lumbar spinal fusion with ‘lifetime guarantee’
Edward DelSole, MD, has performed the first lumbar spinal fusion surgery with a lifetime guarantee at Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Community Medical Center.
Dr. Michael Gallizzi completes his 200th robotic spine surgery
Spine surgeon Michael Gallizzi, MD, completed his 200th robotic case on April 4, according to The Steadman Clinic.
OrthoVirginia to open $50M facility
Tune in for today's industry updates.
Surgalign sells spine portfolio for $17M
Xtant Medical has acquired Surgalign's Coflex product line for $17 million.
Private equity is a mainstay in orthopedics. This group aims to change that.
Durham, N.C.-based EmergeOrtho, Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy and Seattle-based Proliance Surgeons banded together to form an orthopedic group free of private equity, and its leaders hope others will follow their lead.
Here’s how 6 spine surgeons prepare before a busy day
For many people, a morning and night routine can help with preparing for a busy day, and the same goes for spine surgeons. Here's how six spine surgeons say they like to prepare ahead for their workdays:
Does ChatGPT have a future in spine? 3 surgeons weigh in
ChatGPT has already been used by some health systems to ease clinical burdens. However, not all spine surgeons are keen to utilize the artificial intelligence software in their own practice.
March 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Geisinger Medical Center performs 1st lumbar spinal fusion with ‘lifetime guarantee’
Edward DelSole, MD, has performed the first lumbar spinal fusion surgery with a lifetime guarantee at Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Community Medical Center.
Dr. Michael Gallizzi completes his 200th robotic spine surgery
Spine surgeon Michael Gallizzi, MD, completed his 200th robotic case on April 4, according to The Steadman Clinic.
OrthoVirginia to open $50M facility
Tune in for today's industry updates.
Surgalign sells spine portfolio for $17M
Xtant Medical has acquired Surgalign's Coflex product line for $17 million.
Private equity is a mainstay in orthopedics. This group aims to change that.
Durham, N.C.-based EmergeOrtho, Indianapolis-based OrthoIndy and Seattle-based Proliance Surgeons banded together to form an orthopedic group free of private equity, and its leaders hope others will follow their lead.
Here’s how 6 spine surgeons prepare before a busy day
For many people, a morning and night routine can help with preparing for a busy day, and the same goes for spine surgeons. Here's how six spine surgeons say they like to prepare ahead for their workdays:
Does ChatGPT have a future in spine? 3 surgeons weigh in
ChatGPT has already been used by some health systems to ease clinical burdens. However, not all spine surgeons are keen to utilize the artificial intelligence software in their own practice.
March 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
No. of active orthopedic surgeons dips 3.7% from 2016-2021: report
Orthopedic surgery as a specialty saw a dip between 2016 and 2021, while sports medicine saw a significant jump, according to the Association of American Medical College's "2022 Physician Specialty Data Report."
Robotics will be ‘standard of care’ in joint replacements by 2030: 3 surgeon insights
Robotics in total joint surgery has grown in 2022. By the next decade, surgeons predict continued growth, along with the further integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
Hoag opens 2nd ASC in Los Angeles
Orange County, Calif.-based Hoag Orthopedic Institute has opened its second ASC in the Los Angeles area in Beverly Hills, Calif., according to a Dec. 14 press release sent to Becker's.
Spine, orthopedic hospital reaches 50K surgery milestone
Addison, Texas-based Methodist Hospital for Surgery, a hospital specializing in spine, joint and orthopedic surgery, has performed its 50,000th surgery since its opening in December 2010.
10 states with more ASCs than hospitals
As the popularity of outpatient surgery continues to grow, 10 states, including California, Florida and Nebraska, now have more ASCs than hospitals, according to data from the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and Definitive Healthcare.
Why Florida’s competitive environment is good for orthopedics: Q&A with Dr. Alex Vaccaro
Florida offers several benefits for orthopedic patients and practices that has made it an increasingly competitive state for surgeons, according to Alex Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute.
AI, regenerative medicine and more: What 11 spine surgeons would do with a $5M grant
Research grants can be key to helping surgeons and scientists uncover new developments and innovations in patient care. Here's how 11 spine surgeons told Becker's they would use a $5 million grant.
Dr. Bryan Kelly to lead Hospital for Special Surgery as CEO
Bryan Kelly, MD, will succeed Louis Shapiro as president and CEO of New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery.
January 2023 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Proposed wRVUs for 9 spine procedure
The International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery shared CMS' 2023 proposed work relative value units for nine spine procedures compared to expert recommendations.
Safety grades at 10 of the best US hospitals for orthopedics
Ten hospitals ranked as the top orthopedic hospitals in 2022 by Newsweek have been given safety grades between "A" and "F" from health safety and quality organization The Leapfrog Group.
10 orthopedic surgeons join Crystal Clinic
Fairlawn, Ohio-based Crystal Clinic added 10 orthopedic surgeons, and nine were previously affiliated with Cleveland-based St. Vincent Charity Medical Center.
CMS adds 4 new ASC covered procedures
The No Surprises Act has created financial challenges for anesthesiologists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists said Nov. 15.
Aetna settles 239-person class suit over spine surgery coverage
Aetna Life Insurance reached a settlement to resolve a 239-person class action lawsuit over its coverage of lumbar artificial disc replacements.
The challenge with valuebased care for orthopedic surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons face a unique challenge in the transition to value-based care as a procedure-driven specialty, one industry leader says.
Building a spine practice in the ‘outcomes economy’: Q&A with Dr. Alok Sharan
Alok Sharan, MD, in October left NJ Spine and Wellness in East Brunswick, N.J., and established his own practice, Spine and Performance Institute, the next month.
2022
November 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Why private equity is bettering orthopedics, 3 physician leaders say
Private equity investment is an evolving force in orthopedics and can give practices an advantage in the market, according to physicians part of the July merger of two management services organizations.
'The numbers don't lie': Endoscopy to become more prominent among next generation of spine surgeons
Many physicians see endoscopic spine surgery as a key growth opportunity in the next five years, but argue the U.S. needs more endoscopic training programs and the reimbursement structure must be improved.
AAOS wants CMS to reform physician pay, emphasize value-based care
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons has issued formal comments to CMS on its proposed payment policy changes for 2023.
Why orthopedics is the golden ticket for ASCs
Orthopedics may be ASCs' best option for running a profitable and successful center.
Cost of 9 orthopedic procedures at ASCs vs. HOPDs
Costs of procedures vary between ASCs and HOPDs, with orthopedic procedures for those with original Medicare and no supplement being cheaper at ASCs, according to data from Medicare.gov.
The leaders 4 orthopedic surgeons look up to
Role models and leaders have had a strong influence on orthopedic surgeons practicing today.
11 musculoskeletal MSOs totaling more than 1,000 physicians
Musculoskeletal management services organizations are becoming more prominent among physician-owned practices that are looking for partners to take on some of their business and administrative responsibilities so they can focus more on patient care.
13 most popular medical, non-medical side gigs for physicians
Thirty-seven percent of physicians reported having a side gig in 2022 according to the Physician Extra Income report from Medscape.
How 5 orthopedic practices find and retain new talent
Five surgeons discuss how they have found and retained top talent for their practices at a time when every medical industry is facing labor shortages.
September 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
9 spine surgeons surpassing 100 robotic cases this year
Since its launch in 2017, Globus Medical's ExcelsiusGPS spine robot has been used in almost 30,000 procedures as adoption continues across the spine industry.
Can spine bundles succeed in value-based care?
Spine surgery bundled payments are more challenging to navigate than similar value-based arrangements in total joint replacement because of the wide variation of surgeries, the approaches and levels that may be operated on in any given diagnosis, as well as the significant cost differences in inpatient versus outpatient settings.
Top orthopedic hospital in every state: US News
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2022-2023 list of the 50 best orthopedic hospitals in the US. The annual list showcases nationwide excellence in hospital care, from orthopedics to emergency services.
How Medtronic is strengthening its spine business
Medtronic has strengthened its position in the spine surgical market with several key moves in recent months:
3 cervical disc replacement devices get FDA's pre-market approval
Centinel Spine earned FDA approval for three more Prodisc total disc replacement devices.
Number of orthopedic surgeons in all 50 states — California has 2,406
Almost 23,000 orthopedic surgeons practice in the U.S., according to Definitive Healthcare's PhysicianView, which includes data on more than 2 million physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the U.S.
5 physician specialties that drive the most revenue
Physicians generate an average $2.4 million annually for their hospitals, according to Merritt Hawkins and AMN Healthcare's 2022 "Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives."
Top 10 neurological surgery residency programs from Doximity — UCSF is No. 1
Doximity received more than 315,000 peer nominations, ratings and hand-written reviews to determine its top residency programs for 2018-19.
Spine, orthopedic organizations take position on image requirement in prior authorizations
Nine spine and orthopedic societies argue that potential real-time image sharing requirements for prior authorizations may lead to unnecessary delays and denials of care.
United Musculoskeletal Partners merges with Novum Orthopedic Partners
United Musculoskeletal Partners, led by Atlanta-based Resurgens Orthopaedics CEO Alex Bateman, merged with Dallas-based management services organization Novum Orthopedic Partners.
July 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
16 hospitals receive Healthgrades' Spine Surgery State awards
Healthgrades honored 16 hospitals across four states with its 2022 Spine Surgery State Ranking Award.
4 spine technologies that promised more than they delivered
Innovation moves at a rapid pace in spine surgery, but hype and marketing around new technologies can sometimes get in front of the science, resulting in less than optimal outcomes for patients and significant steps backward for the technology.
Colorado Supreme Court rejects hospital's bid to enforce $229K spine surgery bill
A spine surgery patient will not be on the hook for a $229,112 medical bill at Westminster-based St. Anthony North Health Campus, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled May 16.
Spine surgeons' biggest threats
Fighting for the approval of minimally invasive alternatives to spinal fusion; non-surgeons performing certain spine procedures; and insurers too often dictating care decisions are some of the biggest threats to spine surgeons today, three specialists told Becker's.
How the 'Neiman Marcus' of spine practices plans to compete with large groups, MSOs
While some practices are looking to expand across state lines, Spine Center Atlanta plans to focus on the Georgia market, founder and spine surgeon James Chappuis, MD, said.
Robotic spine company with $1B in cash open to M&A opportunities
With about $1 billion in cash on its balance sheet, Globus Medical is looking to explore strategic partnerships that could capitalize on some weaknesses in the medtech market, according to the company's first-quarter earnings call, transcribed by The Motley Fool.
30K 'unnecessary' spine surgeries performed in 1st year of pandemic: study
Hospitals performed more than 100,000 "unnecessary" procedures on older Americans in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, including 30,094 spine surgeries, according to a May analysis published by the Lown Institute.
Texas spine surgeon's $11M verdict being appealed
A spine surgeon in Plano, Texas, who won an $11 million verdict over stolen medical records and false malpractice accusations will face an appeal, The Dallas Morning News reported June 6.
Spine device could get up to $9,800 Medicare payment boost
CMS has granted its new technology add-on payment to SI-Bone's iFuse Bedrock Granite implant, which received the FDA's breakthrough device designation in November and is designed for sacroiliac fusion and sacropelvic fixation.
How Walmart, CVS Health will affect spine care: 4 surgeon insights
Retail giants such as Walmart and CVS Health are continuing their push into healthcare, offering cost-friendly and convenient care close to patients' homes, and more providers are taking notice.
May/June 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
23 spine device companies to watch in 2022
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the spine industry, innovation and mergers and acquisitions activity continues to pick up steam among medtech companies in 2022.
The spine tech surgeons say will explode in the next 5 years
Regenerative medicine, patient-specific implants and artificial intelligence continue to gather momentum in the spine field, but robotics and augmented reality are the technologies surgeons expect to become more prominent in the next five years.
Robots keeping the next generation of spine surgeons out of ASCs
Robotic technology is growing among spine surgeons, and fellows are learning to use the technology for more precise outcomes. But if they become too reliant on robotics for spine surgery, the transition to outpatient surgery centers could be problematic.
The toughest decisions spine surgeons have to make
From dealing with serious postoperative complications to choosing the right practice partners and learning when to say no, five spine surgeons detail the most difficult decisions they've had to make in their careers.
TikTok spine surgery: Dr. Chester Donnally's winning formula
Almost two years after completing a spine surgery fellowship at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Philadelphia, Chester Donnally, MD, is making a name for himself both in and outside of the operating room.
11 spine medtech CEOs: Who gets paid the most?
The compensation of medtech leaders varies based on the company's size and market share. While some have a larger base salary, others have higher bonuses and stock option value.
Cost of total disc replacement in the 30 largest US cities
Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, are the most expensive cities in the U.S. to undergo total disc replacement surgery, according to Healthcare Bluebook, which helps patients shop for affordable care in their area.
The best career advice 6 spine surgeons received
From getting your practice off the ground to owning complications when they occur and learning from mistakes, six spine surgeons from private practices across the country shared the best advice they've received from another surgeon.
40+ of the largest orthopedic groups in the US by number of physicians
Here are more than forty of the largest independent orthopedic practices in the U.S., ranked by the number of physicians on staff, including 14 practices with more than 100 physicians.
Walmart's latest partnership pushes retailer into spine care
Beginning April 1, a chain of spinal health and wellness centers will begin popping up at Walmart stores, another key move in the retailer's push into the healthcare industry.
Degeneration less likely with disc replacement than spinal fusion, study says
Cervical artificial disc replacements were less likely to result in degenerative complications compared to spinal fusions, according to a study published in the February 2022 edition of the International Journal of Spine Surgery.
March 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
190+ ASCs with spine surgery | 2022
Here is a state-by-state breakdown of more than 180 ASCs that perform minimally invasive spine surgery in the U.S.:
Leave spinal fusions to the surgeons, spine societies warn
The recent technology advances in spine surgery allow for less invasive procedures and outpatient surgeries. But several spine societies have come together to warn against non-spine surgeons performing spinal arthrodesis.
Spine patient visits expected to increase 7% in 2022: 5 notes
Joint pain medical encounters are projected to increase 22 percent in 2022, with spine-related visits expected to rise 7 percent, according to a Jan. 5 report by predictive analytics company Prealize Health.
ACDF in 10 years: CDR may become gold standard but 'we will always need both'
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is the most common surgery for treating symptoms related to a degenerative or herniated disc in the neck, but other techniques may offer more benefits to patients, depending on their spinal condition.
Florida ASC sues Cigna for $434K spine reimbursement
Melbourne, Fla.-based Surgery Center of Viera filed a lawsuit Jan. 20 in Florida Middle District Court in Orlando against Cigna and Strategic Enterprise Solutions.
Spinal fusions at HOPDs increase after CMS approval for ASCs
Outpatient cervical and lumbar fusions jumped at hospital-outpatient departments after CMS approved the procedures for ASCs while the procedure rate had little or no growth in surgery centers.
Are hospitals getting more aggressive against private practices?
While COVID-19 is accelerating the migration of physicians to hospital employment, some hospitals have doubled down on measures that are making it hard for private practice physicians to remain independent.
As Neuralink aims for human trials, 3 spine surgeons weigh in on practicality
Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant has been in development for years and tested in animals in 2020 and 2021. Mr. Musk said he aims to use Neuralink in humans this year, and its first applications would help spinal cord injury patients.
5 emerging trends spine surgeons must monitor
A number of trends are expected to gain momentum in spine surgery in the coming years, such as the growth of minimally invasive procedures and technologies, shifting hospital strategies and site-of care changes.
Orthopedic surgery to be down 5,050 physicians by 2025
Orthopedic surgeon ranks expected to shrink by 5,000 in next 3 years.
Spine surgeon's startup wants a slice of the $14B spinal fusion market
Kleiner Device Labs, a startup founded by Jeff Kleiner, MD, has acquired 23 U.S. patents for its spine technologies and plans to break into the spinal fusion market, currently valued at $14 billion, according to Benzinga.
January 2022 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
The 2022 Spine Surgery Excellence Award: 100 hospitals honored
Healthgrades has recognized 100 hospitals in its Spine Surgery Excellence Award for 2022, which honors facilities that provide superior patient outcomes in back and neck surgeries and spinal fusion.
Why spine surgery is a key outpatient growth opportunity
The evolution of minimally invasive techniques, cost savings and an aging baby boomer population are some of the factors contributing to the spine market becoming a key outpatient growth opportunity in the coming years.
Top 25 states for orthopedic surgeons
Maine is ranked the top state in the country for orthopedic surgeons to live and work by job market research company Zippia.
Medtronic unveils new head of spine division
Harry "Skip" Kiil has been appointed president of Medtronic's cranial and spinal technologies operating unit, effective Jan. 4.
CMS returns 14 spine codes to inpatient-only list in 2022
CMS is walking back its proposed elimination of the inpatient-only list and returning most of the services it removed from the list in 2022.
Spine surgery in 5 years: 5 surgeon predictions
Over the next five years, minimally invasive technologies such as robotics and endoscopy are expected to become more prominent in spine surgery, and hospitals may be used only for complex cases on patients with significant comorbidities.
Zimmer Biomet recalls surgical robot
Zimmer Biomet has recalled its Rosa One 3.1 brain application because of a software error that could lead to the misplacement of instruments during neurosurgical procedures.
Physician pay is changing: 8 specialties up, 9 down in 2021
Despite many nonemergency surgery hurdles since the COVID-19 pandemic, plastic surgeons overtook orthopedic surgeons as the highest-paid specialty in the country this year, taking home an average annual salary of $526,000, according to Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report."
Wireless implants planned for spinal fusion
One devicemaker's recent seed funding round could help bring wireless implants to spine surgery, IoT World Today reported Oct. 28.
15 details on USPI's $1.2B acquisition of SurgCenter
Dallas-based United Surgical Partners International, a subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare, on Nov. 8 announced its plan to acquire SurgCenter Development for about $1.2 billion by the year's end.
AMA accepts CPT add-on code for 2nd level lumbar disc replacement
The American Medical Association accepted a new CPT add-on code for the second level of lumbar total disc replacement procedures.
2021
November 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
6 essential tips for spine surgeons entering practice
Establishing a practice can be daunting in the early days of a spine surgeon's career, where so many decisions are critical to ensure you're starting on the right foot, such as choosing the right orthopedic group or health system, signing a fair contract, developing your surgical technique or managing your finances.
Will neurosurgeons take over spine?
It has become more common over the past few decades for orthopedic surgeons to subspecialize in spine surgery, and now at least one neurosurgery program is gaining momentum in the space.
The state of robotics in spine surgery today: 14 observations
Surgical robots continue to make noise in the spine industry and are expected to pick up steam in the coming years as more devicemakers launch systems to compete with the Medtronic, Globus Medical and Zimmer Biomet systems that control most of the market.
6 numbers making spine surgeons nervous
From fighting CMS policy proposals to challenges with rising COVID-19 cases, spine surgeons have faced multiple hurdles since 2020.
What CMS pays for 15 spine procedures at ASCs vs. HOPDs
CMS' procedure price look-up tool allows users to compare average pay for several procedures in ASCs and hospital outpatient departments.
How Dr. Edward Dohring plans to transform NASS
Strengthening spine surgeon education is just one of many things Edward Dohring, MD, wants to accomplish as he steps into the role of president for the North American Spine Society. He also wants to grow diversity among leadership and engagement.
Meet North American Spine Society's '20 Under 40' class of 2021
The North American Spine Society released its "20 Under 40" list of spine care honorees under 40 years old Sept. 29.
10 highest-paying physician specialties in 2021, per Medscape
Plastic surgery is the highest-paying physician specialty in 2021, according to Medscape's 2021 Physician Compensation Report.
1st commercial cases performed with NuVasive's spine platform
The first commercial cases using NuVasive's Pulse Platform for spine surgery have been completed in Ohio and Texas.
Walmart, Amazon & more: 2 orthopedic surgeons on outside forces in healthcare
Amazon, Walmart and Walgreens have all taken steps into healthcare, but their lasting impact remains to be seen. Two orthopedic surgeons told Becker's how they feel about the companies' hand in healthcare.
'The perfect fit where we want it': How patient-specific implants can revolutionize spine surgery
In September, a Connecticut neurosurgeon became the second in the world to perform spine surgery with a newly approved patient-specific implant, which he believes can reduce complications and achieve superior outcomes over traditional implants.
September 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Best hospitals for neurosurgery, neurology in 2021: US News & World Report
University of California San Francisco Medical Center led U.S. News & World Report's 2021-22 rankings for best hospitals for neurosurgery and neurology.
10 technologies spine surgeons are obsessing over
Spine surgery is an innovative medical specialty that has seen significant technological strides in the past decade.
How provider-payer relationships will evolve in spine: 4 surgeons weigh in
New partnership models with aligned goals, an increased push toward orthopedic Centers of Excellence and heightened calls for a single-payer system are among the major trends these four spine surgeons see over the next five years.
Delta variant sparks growing concern for spine surgeons
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to spike, particularly in regions with higher levels of community transmission and lower vaccination rates, and spine surgeons are worried that elective surgeries in these areas could be affected once again.
These CMS changes would significantly improve spine care: 6 surgeons weigh in
From revamping codes to reversing prior authorization requirements and increasing reimbursement, six spine surgeons discuss CMS changes that would enhance spine care.
$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, The Orange County Register reported July 21.
The next game changer in spine: 4 surgeon insights
From telemedicine to augmented reality and the advancement of single-position procedures, the technology that will have the most significant effect on the future of the field is discussed by four spine surgeons.
A breakdown of 7 robots in spine surgery
The Mazor SpineAssist was the first robot approved by the FDA to guide the placement of pedicle screws in 2004.
Insurer sued for allegedly refusing to cover spinal stabilization device
A Florida woman is suing Anthem, alleging that the insurance company didn't cover a spine device that should have been covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, designed to provide protections to as well as setting rules for employer-sponsored health insurance plans.
8 medtech acquisitions of $100 million or more in spine, orthopedics
From SeaSpine's purchase of a highly touted imaging system to a multibillion dollar deal that bolstered Stryker's extremities portfolio, here are eight acquisitions of $100 million or more made in the last eight months:
July 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
The biggest opportunities in spine from 9 surgeons
From innovations in biologic treatments to physician advocacy and migrating cases to the outpatient setting, nine spine surgeons discuss the biggest opportunities in the field today.
Top 10 states for physicians to practice
Minnesota and four other Midwestern states were among the top 10 places for physicians to work, according to Medscape's Best & Worst Places to Practice 2021 list.
No regrets about dropping bundled payments, Rothman Orthopaedics president says
Although Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedics has eliminated bundled payments, its president, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, said using them is still worth it for some practices.
5 spine surgeons' thoughts on investing in ASCs
ASC investment is top of mind for some spine surgeons as more procedures migrate to the outpatient setting. However, it might not be the best move for everyone.
Which spine surgeries are becoming more prevalent at ASCs?
Spine and orthopedic procedures once considered complex — and often requiring days of recovery in the hospital — are now being performed at ASCs, with patients going home the same day.
Let's talk robots: 9 CEO insights from Medtronic, Stryker & more
The global surgical robot market is projected to hit $14.4 billion by 2026, up from about $6.4 billion in 2021, according to a report by MarketsandMarkets.
Watch out doc: 5 worst states for physicians to practice, per Medscape
Medscape ranked the five worst states to practice, based on malpractice payouts, compensation, health system performance and physician happiness.
Laser Spine Institute founder sues former attorneys, says they caused $400M in losses
Tampa, Fla.-based Laser Spine Institute founder James St. Louis, DO, claimed in a lawsuit his former lawyers caused him to lose more than $400 million in a judgment by not communicating with him and breaching its fiduciary responsibilities.
How 4 spine surgeons are thinking about growth in the next 3 years
From increasing patient volume to expanding surgical presence and doubling down on white-glove service, four spine surgeons share how they are thinking about growth in the coming years.
May 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Will disc replacement supersede spinal fusion? 8 spine surgeons weigh in
On the back of two-year data comparing the M6-C cervical disc with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion published in The Spine Journal, eight surgeons discuss the future of total disc replacement in spine:
Newsweek's top orthopedic hospitals in the US
Newsweek ranked the best hospitals worldwide across five specialties in its "World's Best Specialized Hospitals 2021" list.
16 of the largest orthopedic practices in the US
Sixteen of the largest orthopedic practices in the U.S., ranked by the number of physicians on staff.
Spine surgery in 2030 — 6 surgeon predictions
From the rise of robots to the use of big data and a move away from hospital-owned practices, changes in the field of spine surgery will be very evident by 2030, six spine surgeons predict.
5 updates on Elon Musk's surgical robot
Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk is developing the Neuralink surgical robot that will be used for neuroscience.
4 key questions on the future of spine surgery at ASCs
Four spine leaders answer four questions on how spine surgery will develop at ASCs:
Spine, total joint bundles lead to cost savings of 10.7%, study finds
When cost-sharing is waived for patients using bundled payment programs for spinal fusion and total joint replacement, surgery costs can decrease by an average of $4,229, or 10.7 percent, according to a study by nonprofit organization Rand Corp.
2 more spine surgeons sentenced for roles in $40M kickback scheme
Two more spine surgeons received prison sentences March 18 for their roles in a $40 million kickback scheme at the now-defunct physician-owned Forest Park Medical Center in Dallas, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Why endoscopic spine surgery in the US lags behind Europe, Asia
Endoscopic spine surgery is growing in popularity among surgeons in the U.S., but lags growth in Asia and Europe. Reimbursement shackles and a lack of training are two big hurdles affecting its adoption.
March 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
CMS pay for 10 orthopedic procedures at ASCs vs. HOPDs
CMS' procedure price lookup tool enables users to compare average pay for several procedures in ASCs and hospital outpatient departments.
How key spine trends are shaping up in 2021
Downward pressure on reimbursement, rising consolidation and rapid outpatient migration are some of the key trends affecting the spine field.
Zimmer Biomet to spin off spine, dental businesses
Zimmer Biomet plans to spin off its spine and dental units to create a new company.
Neurosurgeon pay hits $645K & 3 more notes
Neurosurgeons have the highest median salary among specialties surveyed in the "Physician Compensation Report 2020" from Physicians Thrive, a financial planning company.
Why Florida is becoming a major battleground for orthopedics
Florida's population boom, tax-friendly nature and aging population all contribute to it becoming a key battleground for orthopedic practices.
Endoscopic procedures 'truly the next generation of spine surgery,' says Dr. Kern Singh
Kern Singh, MD, lauded the benefits of endoscopic spine surgery, which he typically performs as an awake outpatient procedure at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago.
14 key thoughts on bundled payments in spine surgery
Fourteen insights on bundled payments in spine, including CMS changes in 2021 and thoughts from five prominent surgeons:
DOJ recovers $2.2B under False Claims Act — 2 orthopedic cases at center of FY 2020
The Department of Justice collected more than $2.2 billion from civil cases involving fraud and false claims against government programs in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2020.
Biden administration cancels Trump administration plan for opioid treatment drug
President Joe Biden's administration rolled back a plan by former President Donald Trump's administration to allow physicians to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid-use disorder, the Washington Post reported Jan. 27.
How 2 independent practices are thriving in an increasingly consolidated environment
In December 2020, Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare reached a deal to acquire 45 ASCs from Nashville, Tenn.-based SurgCenter Development for $1.1 billion, intensifying the efforts of major ASC management companies and private equity-backed platforms to drive consolidation in the industry.
January 2021 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
10 highest-paying cities for physicians in 2020
Milwaukee is the highest paying metropolitan city for physicians, according to Doximity's 2020 Physician Compensation Report.
What 2021 will look like from 13 spine surgeons — Drs. Frank Phillips, Lali Sekhon & more
Thirteen spine surgeons share their outlook on the spine field in 2021 and what success will look like for their practice.
The most controversial trends in spine from 10 surgeons
From artificial discs to stem cells and complex deformity surgery, 10 surgeons discuss some of the most controversial trends in spine today.
CMS finalizes physician payment rule for 2021: 6 takeaways
CMS released its annual changes to the physician fee schedule for 2021, which updates the payment rates for physician services and expands the list of telehealth services covered by Medicare.
Stem cells in spine, orthopedics: 6 notes for surgeons
A landmark clinical trial was announced in November when a $9 million grant was provided for the first human study using stem cells to treat a spinal disorder that occurs in babies in the womb.
How the pandemic is changing spine surgery: 5 surgeon insights
From the acceleration of outpatient migration to the increasing popularity of certain spinal approaches, five spine surgeons discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the field:
6 Texas orthopedic practices to merge into 150-plus physician group
Six orthopedic groups in Texas will merge to launch OrthoLoneStar in January 2021.
PE firm, US Orthopedic Alliance partner to foster growth initiatives
U.S. Orthopedic Alliance has teamed with Castleford Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm, to form USOA Strategic Capital to support growth initiatives and partnership opportunities.
Medtronic acquires spine device company in 7th takeover of 2020
Medtronic on Nov. 16 completed the acquisition of Medicrea, a France-based spine device company.
The ASC payer landscape in 2021: 6 administrator insights
Six ASC administrators from California to New Jersey discuss the payer landscape in their area and what they expect in the next year.
2020
November 2020 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
The most exciting technologies in spine from 10 surgeons
From robotic-assisted surgery to augmented reality and potential virtual health innovations, 10 spine surgeons discuss the technologies that they see making the next big breakthrough in the field.
Dr. Alexander Vaccaro on the 'secret sauce' behind Rothman Orthopaedics' Florida expansion
Becker's Spine Review spoke with Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, about the secret behind the group's Florida expansion and key markets for orthopedics today.
6 spine surgeons on the biggest obstacle they face going forward
Insurance companies and the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic are some of the issues at the forefront of spine surgeons' minds. Here, six surgeons discuss the biggest obstacles to the specialty going forward.
Robotics is the next step for spine, total joints: 3 administrators weigh in
Robotics is picking up steam in spine and orthopedics, with emerging surgeons particularly drawn to the latest technologies in their specialties.
North American Spine Society recognizes 20 spine specialists under 40
The North American Spine Society released its list of 20 spine specialists under 40 in the October 2020 edition of SpineLine.
NASS welcomes Dr. Eeric Truumees as president
The North American Spine Society has named Eeric Truumees, MD, president during its 35th annual meeting, taking place virtually Oct. 6-9.
Medtronic CEO reports spine growth exceeds expectations, aims to keep taking market share
Despite the pandemic, Medtronic is still focused on growth in the spine arena and CEO Geoff Martha said the company exceeded growth expectations during the 2020 Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference.
Healthgrades: 100 best hospitals for spine surgery in the US
Healthgrades unveiled its list of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Specialty Care.
Which states have the highest, lowest concentration of ASCs?
Washington, D.C., Maryland and New Jersey are the only areas in the U.S. with more than 20 ASCs per 1,000 square miles, according to a July report from Anthem's Public Policy Institute.
How Google ranks top spine surgeons
A group of researchers examined how Google ranks top spine surgeons and published their findings in Spine.
September 2020 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Consolidation boom expected in spine post-pandemic: 5 surgeons share insights
Five spine surgeons discuss the impact of COVID-19 on consolidation in the spine field.
Smart ideas in spine: 4 surgeons look to the future
Spine and neurosurgeons across the U.S. are facing very different realities than they were a year ago due to the pandemic.
Top 20 hospitals for neurology & neurosurgery, by US News & World Report
Best Hospitals for Neurology & Neurosurgery 2020-21 was published by U.S. News & World Report on July 28, with Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore ranking No. 1 for the second year running.
Dr. James Chappuis sues Emory Healthcare, surgeon alleging defamation: 6 details
An Atlanta-based spine surgeon filed a lawsuit on July 29 against Emory Healthcare and Daniel Refai, MD.
How Texas Back Institute is revamping referral relationships, marketing strategies during the pandemic
Texas Back Institute in Plano has evolved to the economic situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to revamp its sales and marketing strategies and strengthen referral relationships.
4 surgeons predict the future of spine: Motion preserving technologies, advanced imaging & more
Four spine surgeons outline what technologies they see making the next big breakthrough in the field.
Medtronic to buy Medicrea for 22% above share price: 6 details
Medtronic entered into an agreement to acquire Medicrea, a spine device company that includes artificial intelligence, predictive modeling and patient-specific implant offerings.
NuVasive spine robot faces further delays
During NuVasive's second-quarter earnings call, CEO Chris Barry said the timeline for its Pulse robotic system for spine surgery has been further delayed, according to Seeking Alpha.
12 of the largest orthopedic practices in the US
Orthopedic practices continue to grow, even amid the pandemic. Here are the largest orthopedic practices in the U.S. by the number of physicians and surgeons.
19 most-recruited physician specialties
Healthcare recruiting activity is shifting toward medical specialties, with this category representing 78 percent of Merritt Hawkins' physician search engagements in a year's time.
July 2020 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
19 spine surgeon moves on the move in 2020
Here are 19 spine and neurosurgeons who joined new organizations, moved locations or received promotions so far this year:
The 'new normal' in spine: 11 surgeon predictions
Eleven spine surgeons answer the question: What will the 'new normal' look like in spine post-pandemic.
Why Rothman Orthopaedics is dropping out of bundles
Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, is president of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedics and Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals.
11 key spine partnerships in 2020
Here are 11 spine partnerships that Becker's Spine Review has reported on in 2020 so far:
10 best hospitals for pediatric neurosurgery: US News ranking
U.S. News & World Report ranked 50 pediatric hospitals for the treatment of serious neurological conditions such as epilepsy, head trauma and brain tumors.
Where 4 companies stand with spinal robotic technology in mid-2020
Robotics remains a top opportunity in orthopedics and spine throughout the pandemic, and despite the financial challenges facing health systems across the nation, many continue to pay for new robotic technology as the way of the future.
'Even my customers were upset': Stryker acquired Mako amid criticism and now the investment in robotics is paying off
Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo talked about the company's robotics strategy and the decision to acquire Mako Surgical early, which propelled the company to become a market leader in orthopedic robotics, in a Chief Executive report.
Former Stryker, NuVasive executive appointed COO of Nexxt Spine
Nexxt Spine on May 12 onboarded James Abraham as chief operating officer.
Texas hospital suspends construction of $120M spine tower due to economic challenges
Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, is temporarily suspending construction of its six-story spine and orthopedic tower, according to a press release published by KCBD.
May 2020 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Transformational change: 4 predictions on how COVID-19 will affect spine and healthcare
Across the nation, non-essential businesses have closed or transitioned to remote work while hospitals and surgical centers have canceled elective procedures to avoid further spreading the coronavirus and devote resources to treating COVID-19 patients.
The future of spinal biologics, regeneration and MIS treatment: Q&A with Dr. Roger Härtl
Roger Härtl, MD, has devoted much of his career to finding the best, least invasive treatment for back and neck pain. That mission has led him to research and innovate in the field of spinal biologics.
Florida orthopedic practices combine, become 150-provider supergroup: 5 things to know
Two large orthopedic practices in Florida have merged into a supergroup, becoming the biggest orthopedic group in Florida.
Post-coronavirus outlook for 4 major companies in orthopedics — Stryker, Medtronic & more
The medical technology giants are feeling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic including giants in the orthopedic space such as Johnson & Johnson, Stryker, Medtronic and Zimmer Biomet.
Centinel Spine founder leaves to grow other business; Steven Murray named CEO
Centinel Spine has a new CEO in Steven Murray, who joined the company March 16.
COVID-19-related losses cause postponement of new facility
Amherst, N.Y.-based Excelsior Orthopaedics is rethinking its business strategy and postponing plans for a new facility over projected financial losses related to COVID-19, Buffalo Business First reports.
Mizzou Biojoint Center faces 11 lawsuits involving 17 ex-patients: A timeline of events
Columbia-based University of Missouri Health Care's Mizzou BioJoint Center is facing at least 11 medical malpractice lawsuits as former patients allege the procedures they received at the facility failed.
Why endoscopic spine surgery is more popular overseas than in the US: 3 spine surgeons discuss
Over the past two decades, endoscopic spine surgery has steadily increased in popularity as minimally invasive techniques continue to evolve. However, the approach is more widely adopted among surgeons in Europe and Asia.
March/April 2020 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Bundled payments in spine: 12 key thoughts for 2020
As rising healthcare costs continue to be a burden for patients and providers, new payment models such as bundled payments are gaining traction at healthcare facilities across the country.
Dr. William Hozack on bundled payments at Rothman Orthoapedics and goals at ValueHealth
William Hozack, MD, of Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedics, was recently appointed medical director of ValueHealth, a privately-held digital healthcare partner.
Should pain management physicians perform endoscopic spine surgery?
Nine spine specialists debate which physicians should and should not be able to perform endoscopic spine surgery.
DOJ alleges system paid 'excessive' salaries to keep specialist referrals in network
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit alleging that Indianapolis-based Community Health Network illegally paid specialists "excessive" salaries in an "aggressive," "defensive" strategy to keep referrals within the system.
Can AI reverse the 'unsustainable' trajectory of spine care?
Artificial intelligence could help improve the efficiencies and outcomes of spine surgery while reversing the field's ''unsustainable" trajectory of rising costs in the U.S., according to a paper published Jan. 6 in the Global Spine Journal.
Breaking down the 3 major robots in spine surgery
In 2004, Mazor SpineAssist became the first robot approved by the FDA to guide the placement of pedicle screws. Robotics has developed rapidly since then, with three systems leading the field in robotic-assisted spine surgery.
Drs. Scott Blumenthal, Richard Guyer & more: 6 Texas Back spine surgeons reflect on 20 years of artificial disc replacement
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first artificial disc replacement in the U.S. Originating in Europe more than 30 years ago, Scott Blumenthal, MD, of Texas Back Institute in Plano, engaged in extensive research before performing the first artificial disc replacement in the country in 2000.
Why Florida? HSS CEO Louis Shapiro & Dr. David Altchek elaborate
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery opened a 60,000-square-foot hospital in West Palm Beach, Fla., Jan. 27, expanding the hospital's footprint to a second state. The expansion was the second HSS announced in late January. Here, HSS President and CEO Louis Shapiro explains what HSS brings to Florida and elaborates on what's next for the health system.
January / February 2020 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Is robotics part of the future of spine? 4 surgeons on where they stand
Hospitals across the U.S. have been incorporating spinal robots that were designed to increase surgical precision.
PE firm invests in The Steadman Clinic after new affiliation: 5 key points
The Steadman Clinic partnered with a private equity-backed orthopedic practice company.
10 devicemakers with highest payouts to physicians, hospitals — Zimmer Biomet is No. 1
The world's biggest medical device companies made more than $542.6 million in general payments to physicians and hospitals in 2018, according to MassDevice's analysis of the Medical Design & Outsourcing Big 100 list and CMS Open Payments data.
3-group merger to create $144M spine, orthopedic and pain hospital
ThedaCare is merging with Appleton-based Hand to Shoulder Center of Wisconsin and Neenah, Wis.-based Neuroscience Group to form a spine, orthopedic and pain hospital in Appleton, reports Fox 11 News.
Dent Neurologic Institute, U at Buffalo open 1st phase of $40M spine center — 5 insights
Amherst, N.Y.-based Dent Neurologic Institute and the University at Buffalo (N.Y.) cut the ribbon and opened the first phase of their multiyear joint venture Comprehensive Neuroscience Center in Amherst Nov. 14, local ABC affiliate WKBW reports.
CMS removes 6 spinal procedures from inpatient-only list
CMS removed six spinal procedures from the inpatient-only list in the CY 2020 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Final Rule, issued Nov. 1.
2019
Endoscopic spine surgery is the next skill patients will demand: Viewpoint
AAOS, AANS partner for new spine registry
A new partnership between two professional specialty organizations will yield a spine registry that will allow all spine surgeons in North America to collect and share quality data.
How Johnson & Johnson plans to grow orthopedic, spine robotics in the next 24 months
Johnson & Johnson is looking to robotics and digital surgery to drive future innovation and growth in the healthcare and orthopedics space.
HSS appoints new co-chiefs of spine service
New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery appointed Harvinder Sandhu, MD, and Andrew Sama, MD, the new co-chiefs of HSS Spine, effective in October.
Texas surgical group to affiliate with hospital after 64 years of independence
Victoria (Texas) Surgical Associates plans to become part of Citizens Medical Center after 64 years as an independent practice, according to the Victoria Advocate.
Epic CEO Judy Faulkner on 'yes, if' strategy behind company's culture, success
Judy Faulkner, Epic founder and CEO, discussed the culture she has spearheaded at the EHR company and why she values a "yes, if" approach to strategy during The Cap Times Idea Fest Sept. 14 in Madison, Wis., according to The Cap Times.
Dr. Stephen Hochschuler: Future trends in spine – telemedicine, robotics, AI & more
Orthopedic spine surgeon Stephen Hochschuler, MD, is co-founder of Texas Back Institute in Plano and chairman of the Texas Back Institute Holdings Corporation.
Dr. Alok Sharan performs 100th awake spinal fusion — will this be the way of the future?
Alok Sharan, MD, co-director of the Westmed Spine Center in Yonkers, N.Y., began performing awake spinal fusions in 2017, and has just reached a milestone: 100 successful awake spinal fusions performed.
9 spine & neurosurgeons on the move in July
Here are nine spine and neurosurgeons who joined new practices in July.
Dr. Christopher Kager: The standout spine procedure in his career, future of biologics & more
Christopher Kager, MD, is a neurosurgeon with Lancaster (Pa.) NeuroScience & Spine Associates and chief, division of neurosurgery at Lancaster (Pa.) General Hospital of Lancaster General Health Physicians NeuroScience & Spine Associates.
Zimmer Biomet Q2 spine sales down 6.2% — 5 things to know
Zimmer Biomet reported a net sales decrease of 0.9 percent to $1.99 billion during the second quarter.
Beacon Orthopaedics takes on PE investor
Beacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, a large orthopedic practice in Cincinnati, took on a private equity investor in July to spur future growth.
Humana expands spinal fusion bundles
Fifteen new orthopedic and spine practices are joining Humana's spinal fusion or total joint replacement bundled payment arrangement.
Click here to download a PDF version of the issue.
May / June 2019 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
The spine devices with the most potential; What drives orthopedic, spine device company M&A today and what to watch for through 2020; Penn Medicine opens $10M spine center with Dr. William Welch as medical director; Spinal fusion with stem cells vs. BMP: 4 key findings; Humana launches bundled payment for spinal fusions at 4 practices, expands joint replacement program; Awake spinal fusion - 5 key findings; 4 things to know about orthopedic surgeons: 36% still in private practice; Orthopedic surgeons earn $482,000 average annual compensation; Medscape released its Physician Compensation Report 2019, and orthopedic surgeons lead the pack; Dr. Roger Hartl: The biggest opportunity in spinal biologics; Neurosurgeon-generated revenue for hospitals jumps 40.5% in 3 years to $3.4M; Dr. Todd Albert completes surgeon-in-chief term, maintains spine practice at Hospital for Special Surgery; Munson Health settles $7M lawsuit with neurosurgeon: 5 things to know; Orthopedic surgeons generate $3.3M for hospitals — 4 details; Penn Medicine opens $10M spine center with Dr. William Welch as medical director – 4 things to know; Neurosurgeon-generated revenue for hospitals jumps 40.5% in 3 years to $3.4M; Surgeons complete 1st cases with NuVasive’s lateral PEEK implant — 4 insights4 insights; Spinal fusion with stem cells vs. BMP: 4 key findings; ISASS releases statements on bone graft substitutes, vertebral augmentation; California neurosurgeon charged with billing fraud: 3 points; Surgeons perform 1.62M instrumented spinal fusions per year in the US: 5 notes; Indiana spine, neurosurgeon group refuses to become employed at IU Health, jeopardizing relationship: 5 details; Stryker Q1 spine sales up 38.6% in US after K2M acquisition: 6 things to know; Medicare ACOs and spine surgery: 5 things to know; UnitedHealthcare to expand bundled payments to Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, including total joints and spine; Louisiana neurologist allegedly defrauded government of nearly $1.7M; FDA reclassification of posterior cervical screw systems to cost companies $13K: 5 things to know; Spine bundled payments – 12 things to know; Awake spinal fusion — 5 key findings; ISASS names Dr. Jack Zigler president for 2019-20; Forest Park Medical Center kickback trial ends in convictions for 4 physicians; Spine reimbursement from CMS dropped 27% since 2000: 5 key notes; UC San Francisco cuts patients’ spine surgery recovery times in half — How? By keeping them awake; The spine surgery devices, techniques that won’t stand the test of time; Brainlab buys robotics platform company: 5 key notes; DePuy claims Orthofix compelled sales reps to break contracts — 5 lawsuit details; 11 big acquisitions for spine, orthopedic device companies in 2019 so far; Have some PODs violated the Sunshine Act reporting requirements? Senate Finance Committee seeks answers; What drives orthopedic, spine device company M&A today and what to watch for through 2020; NuVasive Board Chairman Gregory Lucier partners with private equity firm to launch new company: 5 things to know; Stryker strengthens sports medicine line with up to $220M acquisition — 5 key notes; Zimmer Biomet earns FDA 510(k) clearance for Rosa One Spine System — 4 insights; The spine devices with the most potential;DOJ charges 24 in $1.2B+ medical device kickback scheme — 5 insights; How well is Walmart’s spine center of excellence program working? 5 takeaways; Venture capital firm invests in orthopedic device company — 4 insights; Humana launches bundled payment for spinal fusions at 4 practices, expands joint replacement program — 6 insights; CHI Franciscan settles antitrust suit after orthopedic group acquisition, physician network affiliation: 4 key notes; 3 orthopedic groups combine to form OrthoSouth; Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush acquires spine robot: 5 things to know; Orthopedic surgeons earn $482,000 average annual compensation, top Medscape’s 2019 survey; Leapfrog launches inaugural ASC quality & safety survey: 4 details; Florida hospital closes ASC due to lack of specialists; may reopen in the fall: 4 key notes; Humana adds 100+ SurgCenter Development facilities to national network — 3 things to know; Laser Spine Institute shuts its doors, patients from 4 ASCs diverted: 5 things to know; These are the most common ASC specialties — 8 statistics8 statistics; Columbia Surgical Specialists of Spokane pays nearly $15K to resolve ransomware attack affecting 400,000 patients: 4 details; 10 things to know about spine surgery in ASCs for 2019; OrthoNY opens $5.3M surgery center — 5 insights; Walmart’s centers of excellence program cut joint replacement costs by 15% — 5 things to know; BPCI Advanced loses 252 providers, 35% of lower extremity major joint replacement participants; Vanderbilt hit with $25.5M suit over wrong-site surgery; HCA accused of billing fraud: 3 things to know; CMS cuts payments to 800 hospitals for patient safety incidents; The 10 challenges, opportunities healthcare executives expect to face in 2019; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to freeze wages, lay off staff; Why Novant Health partners with Microsoft, Google & others to bring AI to orthopedics; Orthopedic surgeon pays $84,666 to settle kickback allegations over pain cream medical directorship arrangement: 4 things to know; Medtronic reaches 2nd ASC with spine robot. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS ISSUE.
March / April 2019 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Where spine reimbursement is headed – Key thoughts from 4 spine surgeons; Neurosurgeon average salary tops $591K — 5 stats to know; Spinal fusion hospital costs for Medicare patients exceed $40K: 5 things to know; How Apple, Amazon & price transparency will affect spine: 3 Qs with Dr. Alok Sharan;Stryker 2018 net sales up 9.3% to $413.6B, spine jumps 18%;Medtronic launches new spinal robot in US, 1st procedures performed in Virginia & Kentucky: 4 key notes; Hospital for Special Surgery to open additive manufacturing 3D printing lab: 5 things to know; Planned orthopedic surgery cost $25B in 2017, up 44% in 7 years: 5 things to know; Rothman Orthopaedics aims to expand nationally with NueHealth, MUVE joint venture: 5 things to know ; Neurosurgeon creates spine surgical navigation app: 3 things to know; Neurosurgeon, plastic surgeon sue Nebraska hospital, alleging wrongful suspension: 5 things to know ;Spinal fusion hospital costs for Medicare patients exceed $40K: 5 things to know; Alabama hospital to build $250M orthopedic & spine building: 5 things to know;Top 5 highest-paying specialties — Orthopedic surgeons report $414K annually; Neurosurgeon, plastic surgeon sue Nebraska hospital, alleging wrongful suspension: 5 things to know; Medtronic loses challenge to patent infringement decision awarding spine surgeon $23M: 3 takeaways; Neurosurgeon average salary tops $591K — 5 stats to know Rothman Orthopaedics aims to expand nationally with NueHealth, MUVE joint venture: 5 things to know; Orthopedic surgeons more likely than neurosurgeons to encounter complication during spinal fusion procedure, study finds; Colorado surgeons complete nation's 1st spinal disc implant via belly button: 5 highlights; 5 big growth opportunities in spine; Where orthopedic surgeons work — breakdown by facility type; How Apple, Amazon & price transparency will affect spine: 3 Qs with Dr. Alok Sharan; Dr. J. Brian Gill: 3 observations on bundled-payments, high deductibles & payer approvals in spine; Are stem cells the future for spine surgery? Dr. Sameer Mathur explains; How price transparency in spine and big tech will affect healthcare: 4 Qs with Dr. Isador Lieberman; Where the value lies for strategic partnerships between spine & tech: Q&A with Dr. Scott Boden; Where spine technology is headed, and what will be left behind: Key thoughts from Dr. Justin Park; Spinal biologics — Key areas of promising research and innovation; The potential of bundled-payments: Hospital for Special Surgery Chief of Spine explains; Stryker 2018 net sales up 9.3% to $413.6B, spine jumps 18%: 5 things to know; DePuy Synthes reports 1.9% drop in sales for 2018: 5 things to know; Spine surgery robots market to reach $320M by 2026 — Who holds 80% of the market?; Zimmer Biomet CEO Bryan Hanson: Growth in 2019 goes beyond the knee & hip markets, product launches; Hospital for Special Surgery to open additive manufacturing 3D printing lab: 5 things to know; How Stryker's integration of K2M is going and what to expect in 2019; Medtronic launches new spinal robot in US, 1st procedures performed in Virginia & Kentucky: 4 key notes; Spinal fusion devices make up 58% of products market — 10 key players; Private equity firm acquires orthopedic technology company: 4 things to know; Top 10 orthopedic companies by market share — And where they'll be in 2024; New total cervical disc replacement design improves outcomes: 6 things to know; SI-Bone jumps into 3D-printing with new partnership: 3 things to know ; Where spine reimbursement is headed – Key thoughts from 4 spine surgeons; Court orders Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to pay $2M in Dr. Atiq Durrani medical malpractice lawsuit; Florida hospital neurosurgeon, physicians vote ‘no confidence’ in CEO: 5 details; Wisconsin spine group makes partnership to join ACO: 3 details; Planned orthopedic surgery cost $25B in 2017, up 44% in 7 years: 5 things to know; New reimbursement codes for spine procedure: 3 things to know; Illinois Bone & Joint Institute opens 25th location; Novant Health purchases former VA clinic to open $9.5M spine center: 3 notes ;Camber Spine reports 36% growth in 2018: 4 things to know; SeaSpine expands board of directors; Polaris Spine & Neurosurgery Center completes 15th robotic surgery case — 3 highlights ;Outpatient transforaminal decompression after spine surgery safe & effective, study finds; 'Doing the right thing:' Ohio surgeons to open orthopedic surgery centerorthopedic'Doing the right thing:' Ohio surgeons to open orthopedic surgery center; First ASC in the Southeast to purchase Mazor robot for spine surgery; Hospital for Special Surgery CEO: The balance between cost, efficiency and value; Cleveland Clinic fires physician over anti-Semitic comments; Kaiser's annual revenue grows to $79B; Tower Health points to Epic install costs for operating loss. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS ISSUE.
January / February 2019 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Orthopedic surgeon base salary hits $553K in 2018, total compensation up 3.2%: 5 things to know ; Apple hired dozens of physicians, including orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharat Kusuma ; Spine surgeon Dr. Evalina Burger named U of Colorado chair of orthopedics: 5 insights ; Orthopedic surgeon base salary hits $553K in 2018, total compensation up 3.2%: 5 things to know; Jury awards Indiana spine surgeon $112M in royalty battle with Medtronic: 5 details ; Apple hired dozens of physicians, including orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sharat Kusuma; Court rules New York hospital properly denied neurosurgeon privileges for poor interpersonal skills: 5 things to know; Dr. Robert Watkins performs spine surgery on Dwight Howard: 4 highlights; Penn Highlands DuBois welcomes new neurosurgery chief: 5 insights; Dr. Andrew Dossett diagnoses Wizards’ Markieff Morris with spine condition: 5 details; Nicklaus Children's Hospital welcomes Dr. Thomas Errico: 5 things to know; Dr. Richard Fessler: The top practice challenge + 5 pieces of advice for new spine surgeons; The biggest challenge in spine? Dr. David Rothbart says it will be demonstrating value; Dr. Andrew Schoenfeld: How key trends in healthcare policy intersect with spine; Spine is becoming a blended specialty & 2 other key trends from Dr. Charles Gordon; 3 most important areas for spine surgeons to grow their practice from Dr. Kern Singh; Leadership in a competitive market: Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Michael Steinmetz on the trends in spine today + the qualities he looks for in tomorrow's leaders; Medtronic finalizes $1.7B Mazor acquisition — 5 key notes on what to expect next; Zimmer Biomet & Stryker battle over $248M patent infringement lawsuit: 5 things to know; Stryker's M&A strategy for the next five years: Where is spine headed?; Smith & Nephew to acquire Ceterix Orthopaedics in $105M deal: 5 things to know; What to expect from RTI Surgical in the future: 4Qs with CEO Camille Farhat; Surgeon performs 100+ outpatient total knee replacements using robotic systemroboticSurgeon performs 100+ outpatient total knee replacements using robotic system; StemCyte gets FDA green light to continue studying spinal cord injury treatment stem cells: 5 takeaways; DJO headquarters to leave San Diego for Dallas: 5 things to know; Vallum recognized for bioactive PEEKplus spinal interbody fusion device: 3 notes; Johnson & Johnson CFO: How the company will re-gain orthopedic market share and leverage Amazon, Google partnerships; Judge rules in favor of orthopedic surgeon in $209K Aetna reimbursement case: 5 things to know; Rothman Orthopaedic Institute brings joint replacement services to New York: 5 insights; Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush to open 3rd location west of Chicago: 5 things to know; Do ACOs improve spine surgery outcomes? 4 key findings; Excelsior Orthopaedics buys Sterling Medical Park office building from GI — 3 insights; How Hospital for Special Surgery plans to expand nationally & globally; Rothman Orthopaedic Institute adds 14 physicians in new partnership: 5 things to know; 20 spine imaging systems to know; Healthcare accounted for bigger portion of 2018 DOJ false claims recoveries; Walmart looks to add health clinics in its parking lots; 9 physician specialties see jump in compensation; Cleveland Clinic adds 4 hospitals; Private equity firm acquires orthopedic technology company: 4 things to know; Zuckerberg hospital is out of network with all private insurers, leaving patients with massive bills; NuVasive’s new CEO restructures executive leadership; Where SI-BONE is headed in 2019 after its IPO: 4 Qs with President & CEO Jeffrey Dunn; Physician group with 873 employees files for bankruptcy; Amazon deepened its healthcare presence in 2018: What that means for ASCs. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS ISSUE.
2018
November/December 2018 issue of Becker's Spine Review
Stryker acquires K2M for $1.4B, a 27% premium: 5 things to know ; Johnson & Johnson subsidiary acquires Emerging Implant Technologies to expand spine implants portfolio: 5 insights; Medtronic executive to become NuVasive CEO: 5 things to know; Rothman Orthopaedic Institute adds 5 New York-based surgeons to newly opened New Jersey location: 5 things to know;Former neurosurgery resident files $50M lawsuit against Missouri medical school: 7 things to know ; Jury finds Colorado hospital overcharged patient for $300K spinal fusion: 5 things to know ; Apple is hiring for its health business;Biologics in spine surgery holds great promise — Dr. Choll Kim shares insight into new field; Neurosurgeon sues Wyoming hospital, alleging employment agreement violations: 6 things to know; Neurosurgeon sues Wyoming hospital, alleging employment agreement violations: 6 things to know; Female UK-based neurosurgeon-in-training's Tweet about being told to chose a different career goes viralifferent career goes viral; What are the top 4 revenue-generating specialties? Orthopedic surgery ranks No. 1;Former neurosurgery resident files $50M lawsuit against Missouri medical school: 7 things to know; Judge rejects bid to dismiss 8 defamation claims in Dr. Johnny Delashaw's libel case – 7 insights; In Minnesota, average spinal fusion inpatient costs range from $26K-$58K: 5 things to know; Biologics in spine surgery holds great promise — Dr. Choll Kim shares insight into new field; Emory School of Medicine names spine surgeon as orthopedic chair: 5 details; What it takes for spine surgeons to become level 5 leaders: Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Wang; Jury finds Colorado hospital overcharged patient for $300K spinal fusion: 5 things to know; KFx Medical sues Stryker for patent infringement; Arthrex paid $35M in similar suit: 4 key notes; 3D-printed surfaces more osteogenic than plasma spray-coated implants, study finds; Zimmer Biomet, Apple to launch joint replacement app: 4 things to know; Medtronic executive to become NuVasive CEO: 5 things to know; Stryker acquires K2M for $1.4B, a 27% premium: 5 things to know; NuVasive, Siemens Healthcare to partner on new spine imaging technology: 5 things to know; Johnson & Johnson subsidiary acquires Emerging Implant Technologies to expand spine implants portfolio: 5 insights; CTL Medical to acquire Amedica's spine business for up to $10M: 4 things to know; Medtronic adds to spine business with $1.64B acquisition of Mazor: 6 things to know; Why private equity deals will become more common for orthopedic practices — Key thoughts from Provident's Robert Aprill; Rothman Orthopaedic Institute adds 5 New York-based surgeons to newly opened New Jersey location: 5 things to know; Top of mind concerns for 4 spine surgeons amid practice growth; Spine surgery percentage in ASCs jumped 10% over the past year — Here's expected growth for the next 12 months; Number of medical students pursuing surgery specialty drops by half — 28 statistics; Aspen Valley Hospital's orthopedic department teams up with the Hospital for Special Surgery: 6 insights; New Hanover Regional Medical Center to shift orthopedic services to $91M facility; ASCs in these states performed the most Medicare procedures — 10 key stats; The 2 work-from-home healthcare jobs with $85K-plus salaries; OHSU's heart transplant program suspended indefinitely; Apple is hiring for its health business; Ascension fires 75% of DC-based Providence Health System's board. Click here to download a PDF version of this issue.
September/October 2018 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Neurosurgeon compensation hits $662K on average: 15 statistics from Doximity ; Florida spine surgeon sentenced to life in prison after woman’s drug overdose: 5 key notes; The 2 adverse events spine surgeons consider acceptable after ACDF; Blood, bone & bug found on spine surgery instruments at Denver hospital: 5 things to know; Dr. Christopher Shaffrey leaves U of Virginia School of Medicine to head Duke’s spine division; Tennessee health system files for bankruptcy, says it owes CHS $28M; Top 10 neurological surgery residency programs — UCSF is No. 1; Top 25 hospitals for neurology & neurosurgery: US News & World Report; How active hinge tables can lead to better spine surgery outcomes; The reimbursement issues keeping spine surgeons up at night; Jury awards $8.2M in patent infringement suit against DePuy Synthes: 5 things to know; Neurosurgeon sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for hiding assets during bankruptcy: 5 things to know; Amazon enters the spine market, now sells screw removal kit online: 5 things to know; Viscogliosi Brothers to purchase Bioventus’ BMP development program: 5 insights; J&J opens 3rd institute in China as Trump threatens new tariffs: 5 insights; Orthopedic surgery tops specialties for industry payments at $258M; Zimmer Biomet to terminate exclusive distribution agreement with BoneSupport: 5 things to know; How can device companies achieve 20% growth annually? A diverse portfolio, new technology & strategic partnerships promote success.; Zimmer Biomet names 2 industry veterans to board of directors — 4 things to know; K2M generates $73.6M in Q2 revenue: 5 financial report details; Spine surgery percentage in ASCs jumped 10% over the past year — Here’s expected growth for the next 12 months; Nonprofit hospital executive pay increased 93% in a decade — Orthopedic surgeon pay did not; Medtronic forms strategic partnership with Twin Cities Orthopedics spinoff: 3 takeaways; Titan Spine welcomes Synaptive Medical CEO to board: 5 highlights; Stryker names Timothy Scannell president & COO: 3 things to know; Life Spine launches new pedicle spine system: 5 things to know; 5 key trends in cost & scalability of 3D-printed orthopedic technology; NuVasive to launch new spine device: 5 takeaways; Stryker reports $3.3B in Q2 sales: 6 things to know; 1st FDA-cleared nanotextured PEEK spinal implant may improve outcomes; Why PEEKplus nanotexturing may improve spinal implant performance: Q&A with Dr. Eric Woodard; Texas hospital lays off 40% of administrative staff amid financial troubles; 8 spine surgeon predictions on the healthcare market: consumerism, reimbursement, big data & more; The best opportunities for spinal biologics and practice improvement today: Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Wang; Colorado hospital ends relationship with Vail Summit Orthopaedics: 5 highlights; 8 surgeons involved in $950M ‘Operation Spinal Cap’ kickback scheme: 7 things to know; Stark Law under the spotlight as CMS seeks to ease self-referral regulatory burden, MedPAC cracks down on PODs; Crystal Clinic faces backlash from residents over $100M clinic proposal: 4 takeaways; 2 orthopedic practices under HHS investigations for recent security breaches; Northern Arizona Orthopaedics partners with HOPCo, connects with The CORE Institute: 4 key notes; 4 erros in 4 weeks: Rhode Island Hospital to commit $1M to quality improvement efforts; Monterey Spine & Joint performs 600th bundled payment surgery: 5 highlights; 10 things to know about Orthofix; MD Anderson slapped with $4.3M penalty for HIPAA violations; New technology, ancient origins: How Epic, Cerner & more got their names; CMS releases proposed physician payment rule for 2019: 5 things to know; Healthcare CEO gets prison time for role in $19.4M kickback scheme; Patient too large for MRI machine sues Oregon hospital for $7M; Medtronic Q1 2019 revenue flat at $7.3B, CEO Omar Ishrak ‘bullish’ on competitive opportunities: 5 things to know; CMS reviewing same-day spine cases for beneficiaries — 4 insights; Orthofix Q2 sales spike 2.4% to $111.5M: 5 observations; Will hospitals become obsolete? Dr. Richard Wohns explains the future of spine surgery. Click here to download a PDF version of this issue.
July/August 2018 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
20 minimally invasive spine products to know | 2018; How to grow a successful independent spine practice; 7 spine device company powerhouses: What are they up to in 2018?; DISC Sports & Spine Center creates bundled payment with Global One, Blue Shield to offer — 5 things to know; 4 spine surgeons make predictions on the future of minimally invasive spinal fusion; AANS appoints 1st female neurosurgeon president: 4 highlights; Dr. James Sanfilippo performs the most spinal fusions in New Jersey, highest successful discharge rate; Spine surgeon collected $847K from Medicare after surrendering license — And he’s not alone: 5 things to know; Jury awards $4.5M over misplaced pedicle screw during spine surgery: 5 things to know;Alaska neurosurgeon embroiled in photo lawsuit settles a spine malpractice case —5 things to know; Jury sides with spine surgeon in case of off-label use of Medtronic’s Infuse: 6 things to know; Top New York spine surgeon leaves to join North Carolina program: 5 notes; Porter Adventist spine surgeon halts surgery mid-procedure due to contaminated tools: 5 insights; DISC Sports & Spine Center creates bundled payment with Global One, Blue Shield to offer in-network services — 5 things to know; Regent, 14 physicians unveil new total joint, spine ASC — 5 things to know; The Orthopaedic Institute appoints new CEO, CFO & COO; Orthopedic surgeon charged with murder of Stryker sales rep in South Carolina: 5 things to know; Rothman Institute, Independence Blue Cross partner to expand bundled payments: 4 insights; Orthopedic surgeon salary in the UK, Canada & Australia; How to grow a successful independent spine practice: 4 key questions; Memorial Health lays off 85 employees with push toward spine, joint focus: 3 takeaways; Dr. James Andrews ranks as No. 7 richest physician in the world;Dr. Richard Rothman retires from surgery at 81, but still plans on a 60-hour work week — 3 insights; ISASS contracts with AAOS management services program: 4 key points; 20 minimally invasive spine products to know | 2018; The future of spine technology: 13 surgeon predictions; 7 spine device company powerhouses: What are they up to in 2018?; NuVasive Precise Stryde System used in 1st patient: 5 highlights; Medtronic launches 3D printing platform for titanium spinal implants: 4 insights; The key to successful spine cases in an ASC + key trends in outpatient spine; 3 things to know about Xenco Medical’s SETx Technology; Here are the top 26 outpatient procedures – No. 1 topped the list by a landslide; Study finds fewer adverse events after treatment at ASCs vs. HOPDs — 6 takeaways; Why outpatient spine centers can have lower infection rates than hospitals; Houston Pain and Spine Hospital unexpectedly closes, lays off 63 people — 5 things to know; CMS publishes procedural coding changes — 392 new codes for 2019; NCamber Spine receives FDA clearance for titanium ALIF device: 3 insights; GNS Surgery Center installs robot for spine surgery — Among 1st ASC of many?; NueHealth, Rothman Institute, Jefferson Health joint venture plans to reopen ASC, double case volume to 4K — 6 highlights; 3 ASCs, Cigna settle alleged ERISA violation suit; Spine surgeon Dr. Johnny Benjamin found guilty, faces possibility of life in prison; Camber Spine receives FDA clearance for titanium ALIF device: 3 insights;Nurse awarded $28M in retaliation suit against Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Vanderbilt University Medical Center points to Epic rollout for 60% drop in operating income; New York Hospital reportedly pays CEO $660K to ‘disappear’; Physicians: Is CHS ‘a slow-motion train wreck?’; New York City physician sues former patient for $1M over negative Yelp review; Nurse accused of stealing more than $550K from New York hospital; University Hospitals launches bundled payment program with Walmart; Texas hospital closes, allegedly owes Cigna and Aetna $43M; 23-hospital system enters $14M settlement with feds over improper physician payments. Click here to download a PDF version of this issue.
May / June 2018 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Fugitive spine surgeon’s fellow surgeons speak out about working alongside him: 5 insights; ‘Bone loves titanium’: Dr. Kade Huntsman on surface technology and the future of spine surgery; 9 spine surgeons discuss their favorite MIS technology; Why spinal implant surface technology makes a difference: 2 key thoughts from Dr. Raphael Rey Roybal; 15 insights into MIS spine — Market analysis, strong vendors & surgeon predictions; Spinal biologics — Will evidence support it? Key thoughts from Drs. D. Greg Anderson, Scott Blumenthal & William Tally; Orthopedic spine vs. neurospine surgeons: Which do patients prefer?; Biggest spine industry change? Reimbursement — Dr. John Peloza explains spine trends, challenges & opportunities; Dr. Odette Harris becomes 1st female African-American neurosurgery professor at Stanford: 5 insights; The 3 aspects of spine surgery expected to gain ground from Dr. D. Greg Anderson; The evolution of endoscopic spine surgery — Key thoughts from Dr. Anthony Yeung; Top 5 best-compensated medical specialties: Neurosurgery is No. 1; The future of total disc replacement technology, spinal disc regeneration: Key thoughts from Dr. Scott Blumenthal; Alaska neurosurgeon sued after photographing patient’s genitals during spine surgery — 5 insights; Former Swedish Neuroscience Institute Chair Dr. Johnny Delashaw claims conspiracy — 5 things to know; Chronic opioid users have 33% relative increase in likelihood of repeat spinal fusion within 1 year — 8 takeaways; Judge orders former Mayfield Brain & Spine surgeon to halt practice after non-compete violation — 6 insights; ISASS names Belgian spine surgeon 2018-19 president: 5 key notes; There’s power in numbers – How private practice orthopedic surgeons can compete with hospitals, health systems; VA fails to complete nationwide license review after hiring neurosurgeon with revoked license, malpractice allegations — 5 insights; Burnout among orthopedic surgeons remains high: 5 things to know; Jury finds anesthesiologist, North Star Anesthesia liable in man’s death — Awards family $1M; Envision sues UnitedHealthcare over a bevy of payment issues — 8 insights; 2018 Main Residency Match: Who matched into the most competitive specialties?; Pain physician charged in fraud scheme, ordered to pay $8.7M — 6 insights; ‘An unprecedented amount of confusion’ — Orthopedic society criticizes CMS for TKA final rule; Ortho Rhode Island surgeon spearheading initiatives to combat opioid epidemic: 5 highlights; Dr. Salomon Melgen gets 17 years in prison for defrauding Medicare at least $73M: 6 insights; NJ pain specialist allegedly orchestrated $4.4M kickback scheme — 4 insights; Washington physicians develop website to determine spine surgery success rate: 5 takeaways; 5 reasons why orthopedic practices, ASCs are ripe for private equity investment; Congress questions Joint Commission accreditation process — 7 insights; Atrium Health countersues anesthesia group over contract dispute: 4 things to know; The Joint Commission finalizes total hip and knee replacement performance measures — 5 insights; Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center to compete with $50M orthopedic hospital: 5 things to know; Self-employed orthopedists earn $38k more than employed: 8 statistics; 36 spine & orthopedic device companies to know; Johnson & Johnson jumps into orthopedic robotics, looks ahead to biologics: 5 key quotes from Q1 earnings call; 12 spine, orthopedic device companies with the top funding rounds; Orthofix acquires Spinal Kinetics for about $105M: 6 things to know; Life Spine highlights advancements to its micro-invasive solutions — 4 highlights; Top 3 global surgical robotics companies for the spine market; CEO compensation for 8 spine, orthopedic device companies; Smith & Nephew launch platform to engage patients, track surgical outcomes: 4 key points; Zimmer Biomet vs. Amedica — Which company reported $7.82B in gross revenues?; 4 spine surgeons predictions for minimally invasive spinal fusion; Spine surgeon Dr. Johnny Benjamin found guilty, faces possibility of life in prison; Orthofix reports 5.8% Q1 net sales increase, completes Spinal Kinetics acquisition: 5 key notes; 5 things to know about Medtronic CEO Omar Ishrak; 14 top global spinal implants market players; Alphatec acquires neuromonitoring technology provider for $18M+: 5 things to know; O-arm vs. robotic guidance vs. freehand for pedicle screw placement: Which is most accurate? 5 findings; Johnson & Johnson acquires robotic systems developer Orthotaxy: 5 things to know; Alphatec names Patrick Miles CEO, adds new board members; Medtronic faces criticism for alleged delayed response in cybersecurity issue: 5 things to know; 5 spine surgeons on the future of implant technology & material; 5 things to know about Xenco Medical CEO Jason Haider; Paradigm Spine boosts leadership with 4 appointments — 6 takeaways; DePuy Synthes Q1 sales up 1.1%, spine drops 8.9% after Codman divestiture: 5 points; Smith & Nephew selects Texas for $29M expansion project: 5 insights; SeaSpine expands Ventura NanoMetalene implant: 4 notes; Stryker finalizes $662M Entellus Medical acquisition: 4 highlights; Spineology receives notice of allowance for PEEK, titanium & graft containment mesh implant system: 4 highlights; 15 orthopedic, spine device companies that may be affected by Trump’s 25% tariff proposal; NuVasive’s Porous PEEK material yields positive results after impaction: 5 insights; 10 of the biggest orthopedic device company acquisitions in the past year; NuVasive introduces ALIF retractor for lateral, supine approaches: 5 insights; Top 10 orthopedic companies by market share — and where they’ll be in 2022; Medtronic continues to push outcome-based contracts: 5 things to know; Stryker Group President to retire, ending 30-year career: 5 highlights; K2M names new COO: 5 things to know about Lane Major; Meet Smith & Nephew’s new CEO Namal Nawana — 4 things to know; Stryker employee admits to accepting $75k bribe to secure contract: 5 things to know; Titanium or PEEK?: 4 trends in spinal fusion implant material selection; Ambulatory Surgery Center Association ‘sharply rebukes’ Kaiser Health News, USA Today for report on surgery centers: 6 things to know; ACDF outpatient surgery costs significantly lower than inpatient: 3 key points; In defense of ASCs — Key thoughts from ASCA CEO William Prentice; Riverside Regional Surgery Center owner, 3 others charged in $8M healthcare fraud scheme: 5 things to know; ASC market share in top 50 largest US markets jumped 10% in 1 year — Here’s why; New York health system eliminating outpatient surgery due to freestanding surgery center proliferation — 5 insights; Dr. Mark Giovanini performs his 1st spine surgery with coflex in an ASC; US News ranks ‘Best Medical Schools 2019’; Florida man upset over 2-hour ED wait steals ambulance to drive home; Ascension Michigan lays off 500 hospital workers: 6 things to know; Job-related dispute led to shooting at Alabama hospital: 6 things to know; Nurse charged with murder of patient who died gasping for air as staff laughed; Anesthesiology group launches ad campaign decrying Atrium Health’s decision to switch providers; Tenet continues hospital sell-off spree with deals in Illinois, Texas; A Walmart-Humana giant scares hospitals: 5 reasons why; US News names 36 places to first-ever community health honor roll; Uber launches ‘Uber Health’ to transport patients to physicians’ offices; 18k Kaiser nurses vote for option to strike at California facilities; Penn State Hershey drops 2,100 neurology patients; Feds launch investigation into Tenet’s Detroit Medical Center: 7 things to know; Woman receives $12k bill after 2-hour ER visit for bee sting. Click here to download a PDF version of the Issue
March / April 2018 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
19 Spine, Orthopedic Device Companies to Impact the Industry in 2018; Dr. Paul Slosar's 3 KeyTrends for Spine Surgery in 2018; The Growth of Outpatient Spine, Spine and ASCs; Orthopedic Spine Surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon Salary – Does Location Matter?; Major Breakthroughs in Spinal Biologics, Disc Regeneration on the Horizon: 3 Key Thoughts From Dr. William Watters; Dr. Tom Price to Advise Jackson Healthcare on Board: 5 Things to Know; The 5-Year Plan for Texas Back Institute’s Growth: Q&A With Newly Elected President Dr. Isador Lieberman; Stryker Sees $12.4B Net Sales in 2017; Neurotechnology, Spine Sales Reach $2.2B — 9 Highlights; 10 States With The Highest Average Orthopedic Case Volume Per ASC; Amazon, JPMorgan and Berkshire Hathaway Launch New Healthcare Company: 6 Things to Know; Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
January / February 2018 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
50 Spine Surgeon Predictions for 2018;8 Bundled Payment Considerations for Spine Surgeons + 5 Strategies to Prepare for the Future;CMS Cancels Hip Fracture, Cardiac Bundles and Finalizes CJR Model: 5 Things to Know;The Evidence-Based Medicine Behind Vertebral Augmentation: Changing the Discussion Post-2009;Who is Mazor Robotics’ Biggest Competitor in the Spine Market?;17 Observations on Total Joint and Spine Procedures at ASCs; Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
2017
November/ December 2017 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
The Next 5 Years in the Spinal Fusion Arena;Dr. Alexander Vaccaro: 2 Big Concerns and the Best Opportunity for Spine Surgeons ;91.6% of Spine Surgeons Have Financial Ties to Industry: 5 Things to Know;Sacroplasty: A Treatment for Pathological Sacral Fractures;
Fired Swedish Health Neurosurgeon Receives $17.5M Award in Wrongful Termination Suit;Economics of Outpatient Surgery; Mergers & More — 7 Key Notes;6 Key Trends in Spine Surgery Malpractice Litigation — Average Settlement is $1.9M; The Devaluing of Spine Surgery — Dr. William Watters on 3 New Trends;Spinal Biologics, Regeneration and Minimally Invasive Surgery: Dr. Mick Perez-Cruet on how Spine Treatment is Evolving;14 Spine Surgeons & Neurosurgeons on the Move in September 2017;Dr. Alexios Apazidis Performs NY Surgery Center’s 1st SpineFrontier Discectomy & Fusion: 5 Key Points;7 Orthopedic Practices Merge to Form Orthopedic Centers of Colorado;Telemedicine Saves Health Systems $24 Per Patient: 5 Things to Know;The Most Common Financial Errors Independent Surgeons Make;NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital Expands Orthopedic Services: 5 Points;Concussions, Biologics & Youth Athletics — What Drs. Bert Mandelbaum, Steve Jordan & Luga Podesta Would Do to Fix the Biggest Problem in Sports Medicine;Total Hip Replacement RVUs: 6 Key Points;4 Spine Surgeons on Biggest Challenges to Running Their Business;Linking a Brand With Fan Loyalty — The Business of Sports Marketing;30 Minimally Invasive Spine Products to Know 2017 | Sponsored by Allen;Federal Judge Rejects Former Sales Rep’s Suit Against Zimmer Biomet Over Firing After Testimony Against Surgeon: 5 Key Notes;Medtronic to Study Infuse In PLF, TLIF Spine Surgeries in New Pilot Trials: 5 Things to Know;Global Spine Devices Market to Soar to $8.4B By 2022 — 9 Observations;Centinel Spine to Acquire DePuy Synthes’ ProDisc Total Disc Replacement Portfolio;TLIF Transformation: How NuVasive’s Technology Takes the Procedure to the Next Level;The Anand Spine Group 1 of 30 spine centers participating in Premia Spine's TOPS System study — 5 highlights;NuVasive Files Complaint Against Former Board Member who Resigned for Alphatec Post: 7 Things to Know;Alphatec, Patrick Miles File Complaint Against NuVasive in Ongoing Dispute;Which ASC Company Has Grown the Most in 2017?;Anthem Policy Drives Outpatient Imaging Services Out of Hospital-Owned Facilities; Will Other Services Follow?;Common ASC Coding Errors: Orthopedics, Gastroenterology and Ophthalmology;Feds Charge Former Tenet Executives in $400M Fraud Case;5 Denver Health Nurses Suspended After Inappropriately Viewing Deceased Patient’s Body;Tenet CEO to Exit With $22.9M in Severance Pay;California Hospital Files for Bankruptcy After Missing Payroll; Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
September 2017 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
8 Trends in Spine, Orthopedics and ASCs over the Next 5 Years; Rothman Institute Merges with Trenton Orthopaedic Group: 4 Key Points; Zimmer Biomet CEO David Dvorak Exits After 10 Years; American Spine Center’s Dr. Atif Malik Will Receive 2 Trials for Kickback, Tax Crime Accusations — 8 Key Points; The Most Exciting Opportunities in Outpatient Spine; The Future of Spine Biologics — Where 4 Spine Surgeons See it Heading; The Essential Traits of Successful Spine Surgeon Leaders; Oregon Jury Awards $4.5M after Failed Spine Surgery Affects Patient’s ‘Love Life’: 5 Things to Know; How Dr. Michael Vitale is Changing Treatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis; 6 Biggest Revenue Cycle Challenges in 2017 for Spine, Orthopedic Surgeons; CMS Proposes 1.9% Increase in 2018 ASC Pay, Adding Total Joint Replacements — 5 Insights; Oklahoma Orthopedic Practice Pays for Billing Irregularities in $1.5M Settlement: 7 Things to Know; 3 Most Important Points on Physician Employment Contracts; What % of Orthopedic Surgery Patients Report Unused Opioids? 5 Points; Hospital for Special Surgery, Stamford Health Orthopedics Partnership Gaining Steam: 6 Insights; How Self-Funded Health Plans Boost Patient Satisfaction with Medical Innovation; 23 Cutting-Edge Spine Surgery Devices to Know | 2017; Under the Microscope: How Nano-Level Surface Technology Helps Improve Early Patient Outcomes and Surgeon Income in the New Incentivized Pay-for-Performance Era; How to Save OR Time and Cost Per Case While Performing Successful Spinal Fusions; Finally, A Single-Use, Sterile Packed ACDF Kit Simplified for OR Efficiency, Introducing the Zavation STERICERVTM Cervical Instruments Kit; Stryker Reports 6.1% Q2 Growth, Installs 26 Mako Systems: 7 Things to Know; No Fusion, No Problem — How Coflex is Changing the Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Treatment Field; Medtronic, DePuy Synthes, Stryker & More: 45 Device Company Key Notes; NuVasive Loses COO, CFO and Promotes 3 Executives Amid Organizational Restructuring; How to Set Up Total Joint and Spine Programs at ASCs — And What to Expect From Insurers in 3-5 Years; Environmental Cleanliness in an Ambulatory Care Setting: 5 Things to Know; 5 Shifting Trends Affecting ASC, Physician Practice Valuation; Is Outpatient TJR the New Frontier for Orthopedics? 4 Surgeons Discuss; 37 Orthopedic and Spine Device Companies to Know; U.S. News: Top 20 Hospitals for Pediatric Orthopedics; ‘You Can Do Good And Do Well’ — DuPage CEO Michael Kasper on Transforming Healthcare; MD Anderson Eliminates EVP Roles. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
July/August 2017 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
ISASS Names Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein 2017 President; ISASS Names Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein 2017 President; Dr. Todd Lanman is a 2017 Healthcare Leadership Award Finalist: 5 Highlights; Dr. Andrew Moulton Receives HCA Humanitarian First Award; Dr. Thomas Schuler: Key Challenges for Spine Surgeons and How to Ensure Success in the Future; Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics to Launch Orthopedic, Spine Bundled Payments; Average Income for Top 20 Recruited Specialties: No. 1 Specialty Makes $579k; Net Revenue for 11 Common ASC Specialties — Orthopedics No. 1 with $3.1k per Case; How Many Orthopedic Physicians are Worth Over $5M?; Understanding the Science Behind the Hype; Spine & Total Joints in ASCs — Premier Orthopedic Surgery Center Administrator Weighs In; Laser Spine Institute Cleveland ASC Welcomes New Spine Surgeon: 5 Things to Know; 10 Orthopedic Device Company CEOs: Who is Paid the Most?; Johnson & Johnson, US Defense Dept. Reach $260M Deal on Orthopedic Devices — 4 Takeaways; Medtronic Emphasizes Spine Device Should Only be Used with Medtronic Instruments After 2 Deaths — 5 Things to Know; Medtronic to Pay Dr. Mark Barry $23.5M for 2 Spine Device Patent Infringements: 5 Things to Know; Hospitals Face Unprecedented Turnover, Attrition Rates: 4 Survey Findings; HCA to Change its Name — Again. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
May/June 2017 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
The Next 5 Years for Spine Surgery in ASCs: Key Thoughts from Dr. Frank Phillips; Bundled Payments in Spine: Big Trends from Dr. Stephen Hochschuler; 20 Things to Know about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; Dr. Todd Albert: 5 Key Thoughts on the Future of Orthopedics; Spinal Fusion Price in 30 Largest US Cities; Swedish-Cherry Hill Neuroscience Chair Dr. Johnny Delashaw Steps Down Amid Investigation; Spine Care Under the Trump Administration: What Can Surgeons Expect?; Performing OLLIF Instead of TLIF Could Save $2.7B per Year: 5 Key Notes; Private Practice in Spine Surgery: Key Challenges & Opportunities from Dr. Scott Blumenthal; How Spine ASCs Fit Into the Future of Healthcare: Key Thoughts from Dr. Anthony Yeung; How to Successfully Implement Price Transparency — 4 Insights; American College of Physicians Releases New Guidelines for Treating Low Back Pain: 5 Key Points; How Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons can Stay Independent: Key Opportunities from Dr. Brian Gantwerker; 5 Key Notes on Posterior Spinal Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: Is TLIF Necessary?; North American Vertebroplasty Market to Fall from $72M in 2016 to $29.4M by 2023 — 5 Observations; Johnson & Johnson, US Defense Dept. Reach $260M Deal on Orthopedic Devices — 4 Takeaways; 10 Things to Know About Medtronic; 5 Key Thoughts on Healthcare from Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky; 10 Things to Know About Stryker; 10 Things to Know About Zimmer Biomet; Gap Between Knee Implant Selling Price and Insurance Payment Tops $225M; Hip Implants Top $199M: 5 Key Notes; Medtronic Sells Medical Products Business for $6.1B — 6 Takeaways; DePuy Synthes Acquires 3-D Technology From Tissue Regeneration System — 5 Takeaways; Slight Drop in Q1 Johnson & Johnson Orthopedic Sales, Hitting $2.3B: 5 Key Notes; Mazor Robotics Brings in Record Year With $36.4M in 2016 Revenue — 16 Highlights; SpineGuard and Zavation’s DSG SmartScrew Offers 1-step Insertion — 6 Key Notes; 10 States With Highest Percentage of Medicare Beneficiaries; Lateral Lumbar Spinal Fusion for Adjacent Segment Disease: 5 Key Findings; Medacta Offers 4-step Program for Surgeons to Successfully Perform Outpatient Hip, Knee & Spine Surgery; Spineology’s Elite Expandable Interbody Fusion System Granted Expanded FDA Clearance — 5 Details; Do Overlapping Neurosurgeries Have Worse Outcomes? Not Always, According to New Study: 5 Key Notes; Best & Worst Patient Outcomes — Patients May Now Compare US Surgeons by Name; Physician Salaries: Which States’ Physicians Earn the Most & More — 5 Key Takeaways; No Smoking: Why Many Physicians Refuse to Operate on Smokers — 8 Takeaways; 15 Things to Know About Spine in ASCs; What Will it Take for Independent Practice to Survive & Thrive Today?; Why Rothman Institute Partnered With Northwell Health, and Where They Will Expand in the Future; 5 Milestones for Titan Spine's Endoskeleton With nanoLOCK Surface Technology; 5 Countries Prioritizing Stem Cell Treatments; 10 Best and Worst States for Physicians; Mayo Clinic to Give Preference to Privately Insured Over Medicaid, Medicare Patients; Cleveland Clinic’s Operating Income Plummets 71%; Key West Commissioner: CHS Hospital’s Profit Margin is ‘Obscene and Unconscionable’; Arizona Hospital Falls Into Bankruptcy Less Than 2 Years After Opening; Banner Health Issues Another Round of Layoffs as it Restructures Operations; 10 Largest US Health Systems: Which Had the Biggest Revenue Increase in 2016?; CMS Delays Major Bundled Payment Initiatives: 6 Things to Know; CHI Lays Off 459 Employees in Texas; How These 3 Trends Will Impact ASCs Moving Forward; Average PA Income by Specialty in 2016; 5 Health Systems With Strong Finances; Raising the Nation’s ‘Guts Quotient’ — 5 Thoughts on the Future of Healthcare from Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove; RAND Study: MACRA Could Cause $250B Drop in Hospital Medicare Revenue by 2030; Trump Appoints Nurse to Serve as Acting Surgeon General; Truven Names 15 Top Health Systems for 2017; 5 Key Statistics on US Companies' Healthcare Costs; 16 Financial and Operational Trends for ASCs; HCA to Change its Name — Again; 10 Things to Know About Healthcare Collections and Patient Financial Responsibility | 2017. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
March/April 2017 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Dr. Tom Price is Your New HHS Secretary: 8 Things to Know; 5 Reasons Why Spine Care Will Boom in the Next Decade; Spine Care in 2017: 4 Spine Surgeons Make Predictions; Jury: Concurrent Spine Surgeries Did Not Cause Patient’s Paralysis; Behind Bars for Fraud: Neurosurgeon Dr. Aria Sabit Receives Nearly 20-Year Prison Sentence — 8 Key Insights; Is Geisinger’s Refund Program Working? One Year Later, Here are the Results; How Healthcare Will Change Under Trump — Injecting Standard Business Principles into Healthcare Delivery: Q&A with Dr. Craig Callewart; 7 Core Thoughts on Great Leadership; Zimmer Biomet Names New President, Americas: Robert Delp; Medtronic Plans to Sell Medical Supplies Unit, Bloomberg Reports: 6 Key Insights; FDA Reclassifies Pedicle Screws & Clarifies Dynamic Stabilization Systems; 5 Key Notes on MIS vs. Open Technologies for Lumbar Spinal Fusion; Hospital Employment vs. Private Practice — Orthopedic Surgeons Taking Note of Pros and Cons: 8 Observations; Booming M&A Activity Spurring ASC Market Growth: 4 Points; Key Thoughts on the Movement From Inpatient to Outpatient Care; Swedish-Cherry Hill Neuroscience Chair Dr. Johnny Delashaw Steps Down Amid Investigation; The CORE Institute, Banner Health Partner for New Outpatient Location in Phoenix Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
January/February 2017 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Trump Picks Price, Verma as Heads of HHS, CMS: 9 Things to Know; The Future of Spine and ASCs: 5 Trends to Watch; The Top-Performing Spine Surgeons Have These Qualities in Common; 26 Latest Statistics & Notes on Neurosurgeon Salary — Hourly, Annual & Regional Pay; 6 Spine Physicians Ranked #1 on Google - 2016; How 10 Spine Surgeons are Preparing Their Practice for a Donald Trump Presidency; The CORE Institute’s Condition-Based Bundles — A New Approach to Eliminating Waste; CHS Sells Controlling Interest in Home Health Business to Drive Down Debt; 10 Statistics on Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Compensation; Physician-Owned ASCs Drive Lumbar Spine Fusion Market Growth; Dr. James Weinstein to Retire as Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO in 2017; Value-Designated Spine Centers of Excellence Yield 19% Cost Savings: 5 Insights; Dr. Robert Watkins Performs Spine Surgery on Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski; Dr. Robert Spetzler to Resign as Barrow Neurological Institute’s President, CEO; Dr. Michael Lawton to Take the Helm; 8 States With Premium Hikes of 30%+; Titan Spine Leads Push for Titanium Interbody Device Resurgence Through Nanotechnology Differentiation; Stryker Courts ASCs With Ascential Spine Device, Inventory Management Solution: 6 Things to Know; 8 Orthopedic Imaging Technologies to Know: C-arms, O-arms & G-arms; Medtronic Finds its Place in the Orthopedic Market With Knee Implant Service: 5 Observations; FDA Clears Xtant Medical’s Xsert Lumbar Expandable Interbody System; 7 New Spine, Orthopedic Device Launches & Releases; Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, Wright Medical Group & More: 12 Key Notes. ; ISASS Releases New Coverage Rule for Decompression With Interlaminar Stabilization; The Specialist Most Likely to ‘Cherry-Pick’ Patients: 25 Statistics; What are the Driving Forces Behind Medicare Reimbursement for Total Joint Arthroplasty? 7 Key Notes; Rush University Medical Center & Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Receive Approval for $21M ASC; Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health Open Concierge Spine Center of Excellence; 25 ASCs With Total Disc Replacement Spinal Surgery; What Stryker CEO Kevin Lobo said on CNBC: 7 Key Quotes; Resurgens Orthopaedics Opens 7th ASC; Top 10 Highest-Earning Physician Specialties; These 2 Factors Impact Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Scores in Outpatient Orthopedic Clinics; What Not to Wear — Physician’s Attire Elicits Mixed Responses in Outpatient Orthopedic Centers; 9 Mayo Clinic Strategies to Quench the Physician Burnout Flame; Henry Ford Health System Drops Out of Medicare Bundled Payments for Joint Replacement: 5 Key Notes; President-elect Donald Trump Taps Dr. Ben Carson to Join Cabinet as Housing Secretary: 6 Things to Know; Dr. Allan Friedman Performs Spine Surgery on Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski; 10 Key Trends in Physician Executive Pay; Report: Healthcare Organizations Will be Targeted Most for Data Breaches in 2017; President Obama Calls for Honesty, Continues to Defend Health Law — 6 Things to Know; Pence Says Trump Plans to Repeal ACA Right ‘Out of the Gate’. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
2016
November/December 2016 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Dr. Christopher Bono on the Spine Industry & Where It’s Headed — MACRA, Big Data & More; 21 Statistics and Facts for Orthopedic Surgeons — Compensation, Net Worth & More; The Role of Biologics in the Next 5 to 10 Years; Wal-Mart adds Mayo Clinic to Spine Centers of Excellence, 50% Copay for Out-of-Network Care; Medicaid Expansion Linked With $2.8M Decrease in Uncompensated Care per Hospital; Healthcare’s Focus on Truncating Costs May Detract From Quality — Dr. John Finkenberg on a New Kind of Healthcare Reform; Physicians in These 14 Specialties More Likely to Vote Republican; US News & World Report: Top 20 Hospitals for Adult Neurology & Neurosurgery; Dr. Richard Wohns on the Impact of the New 10 ASC Payable Spine Codes; SpineNevada Offers Advanced Imaging With InMotion Diagnostics — 6 Highlights; The Trials of 2016 & What is to Come for the Spine Industry; Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion: 5 Key Notes on Adjacent Segment Disease; Global Market for Cervical Total Disc Replacement Devices to Reach $1.75B by 2021: 5 Notes; 6 Market Leaders Drive Anterior Cervical Fixation Devices Market — Globus Medical, J&J, Medtronic & More; What This Year’s Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics Means for ACOs, Physician Compensation; 10 Things to Know About CMS’ Final MACRA Rule; Healthcare M&A Volume Up 16%, Value Drops 39% in Q2; 19 Things to Know About Orthopedic Bundled Payments; Dr. Gregory Sherr Sues HealthEast, CentraCare & 6 Neurosurgeons for Allegedly Ruining His Reputation & Career; 5 Trends for Orthopedic Surgeons to Watch in 2017; 3 Orthopedic Clinics to Pay $2.39M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations; 5 Financial Thoughts for MidCareer Physicians; The Science of Healthcare Delivery: 10 Thoughts on the Future Structure of Healthcare Organizations; The Tricky Nature of ICD-10 Coding for Spinal Fusions — 6 Things to Know; 11 Highest-Paying States for Orthopedic Surgeons: New Jersey Tops the List at $494.5k; 25% of Reimbursement Tied to Alternative Models in 2016; Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield Now Covers 2-Level Disc Replacement With Zimmer Biomet’s Mobi-C; 5 Key Thoughts on Endoscopic Surgery and Spinal Pain; How MIS has Transformed the Field — Dr. Andrew Kokkino on Hospital Employment & the Challenges That Remain; How Spinal Deformity Surgery is Becoming Less Invasive — And Lowering Costs as a Result: Q&A With Dr. Todd Lansford; Personalized Medicine in Spinal Care: Q&A with Dr. Nitin Khanna of Orthopaedic Specialists of Northwest Indiana; ‘Surgery is Like Comfort Food for My Soul’ — Dr. Thomas Scully on Being a Neurosurgeon in an Evolving Landscape; How Being a Patient Helped Virginia Spine Institute CEO Dr. Thomas Schuler Relate to His Patients. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
September/October 2016 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
21 Smart Spine Surgeons With Gifted Business Minds; How Beverly Hills Spine Surgery Builds Value in a Competitive Market; 5-Year Cervical Disc Replacement Results vs. Spinal Fusion: 5 Key Notes; 21 Smart Spine Surgeons With Gifted Business Minds; Dr. Frank Phillips Becomes Director of the Division of Spine Surgery at Rush: 5 Key Notes; 10 Updates on Neurosurgeon Pay; 5 Health Systems With Strong Finances; Shriners Hospital for Children Names Dr. Purnendu Gupta Chief of Staff: 5 Key Notes; Spine Surgery Costs: 5 Key Notes on Surgeon Variation; Mount Sinai’s Dr. Joshua Bederson 1st to Use Virtual Reality Imaging System: 6 Highlights; Coach Teams to Greatness: 5 Core Management Truths; Beyond Oral Opioids — Spinal Cord Stimulators, Targeted Drug Delivery & the Future of Pain Management; Top 10 US States With Most Anesthesiologists; Zimmer Biomet Jumps Into Value-Based Care With Signature Solutions: 5 Things to Know; Trends in Healthcare Wearables: What You Need to Know; Globus Medical to Acquire Alphatec’s International Business for $80M — 9 Key Notes; Medtronic’s Ambitious Goal: Generate $40B in Free Cash Flow in 5 Years — 6 Highlights; CMS Approves ICD-10 Code for Titan Spine’s nanoLOCK: 5 Things to Know; CMS Grants Add-On Payment for Magnetically Controlled Growth Rods in Spinal Deformity: 5 Key Notes; Orthopedic, Spine Device Company Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships: 8 Recent Deals; Banner Health Suffers Year’s Largest Data Breach; 3.7M Affected; Titanium-Coated PEEK Implants: Centinel Spine’s Ti-ACTIVE Advantage; Design Makes a Difference: Key Concepts for Achieving Clinical Success; 4 Strategies for Spine Surgeons to Resolve Their Claims; Charges for Spine Surgery vs. Total Joint Replacement: Which is More? 5 Things to Know; How Beverly Hills Spine Surgery Builds Value in a Competitive Market; Do Hospital Compare Scores Predict Good Spine Surgery Outcomes? 5 Things to Know; 10 Thoughts and Statistics on Medical Malpractice Claims Against Orthopedists; Private Practice vs. Employment: 5 Points on Where Today’s Residents Think They’ll End Up; The Business of Private Practice — Dr. Paul Slosar on Physician Independence; Dr. A. Nick Shamie Discusses the Challenge of Juggling Office Hours, Research & Life’s Commitments; Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is the Future: Q&A With Dr. Frank Phillips of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush; Challenges in Spinal Care: Q&A With Dr. George Cybulski of Northwestern University; Dr. Mick Perez-Cruet’s Takeaways on MIS & Outpatient Spine; SpineCal Institute’s Dr. Pablo Pazmino on Patient Education & Proving Surgical Procedures’ Efficacy; The Best New Opportunities for Spine Surgeons in Value-Based Healthcare: Q&A With Dr. Stephen Hochschuler; Dr. William C. Watters III on the Biggest Issues Facing the Industry Today; The Role of the Surgical Microscope in Modern MIS Spine; 5-Year Cervical Disc Replacement Results vs. Spinal Fusion at 2 Levels: 5 Key Notes; Advocate to Pay Largest HIPAA Settlement to Date; Endoscopic Spine Surgery Makes it Into CMS’ 2017 Fee Schedule Proposed Rule; Electrical Bone Stimulators: New Evidence Supports Treatment for Bone Healing; How Did Compensation Change for Executives, Providers From 2015 to 2016?; Effect of the Stryker Venom Cannula and Venom Electrode combination on lesion size and anesthesia delivery during radiofrequency ablation; Malls May be the Newest Healthcare Destination: 6 Things to Know; 6 Key Thoughts on Best Business Strategies for Young Spine Surgeons. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
July/August 2016 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Minimally Invasive Spine’s Promising Future — Key Insight From SMISS President Dr. Greg Anderson; Spine Surgery Coverage Denials Cost Surgeons $191k; Where do spine surgeons fit in the changing market? Dr. Brian Gantwerker's insight; The Journey From Patient to Surgeon — Dr. Bobby Kalantar Shares How His Experience Shaped His Patient Outlook; Surgeon Entrepreneur: Dr. Kern Singh’s Quest to Make Lateral Spine Surgery More Accessible; Taking Healthy Habits to Heart: 7 Spine Surgeons Discuss Their Health & Fitness Practices; Evolutionary vs. Revolutionary: The Future of Surgical Devices and Spine Surgery; How Did 5 Orthopedic Device Giants Fare in the Most Recent Fiscal Period? 45 Notes on Stryker, Medtronic & More; PODs Under Attack Again: 5 Key Notes From the Senate Finance Committee’s Report; Zimmer Biomet to Acquire LDR in $1B Transaction — 9 Things to Know; Leveraging the Internet to Your Practice’s Benefit — 6 Medical Marketing Strategies From Dr. Tony Mork; How Should Spine Surgeons Approach a Shifting Landscape?; The Low Hanging Fruit of HIPAA Compliance: 8 Best Practices; 12 Patient Handoff Communication Tools to Know; 5 Key Points on Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush’s Bundled Payments Making Healthcare Affordable & Transparent; How to Beat Out Yelp, Healthgrades & Take Control of Spine Center Referrals; Cervical Cage Coverage: What to Expect in the Era of Insurance Company Mergers; 5 Key Strategies to Bolster Spine Profitability in the Outpatient Landscape; Dartmouth-Hitchcock CEO Dr. James Weinstein on What’s Wrong With Healthcare and How to Fix It; Novel Technologies Make a Splash in Outpatient Spine Setting — Dr. Nick Shamie Weighs In. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
May 2016 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
21 Spine Surgeon Leadership Awards;Turning the 'Art of Medicine' Into Evidence-Based Spine Care - Key Thoughts From Dr. Lawrence Lenke;8 Statistics on Physician Starting Salary & Bonuses;5 Trends in Complex Spine Surgery: Dr. Han Jo Kim; Comprehensive Spine Center Opens at NYU Langone; Andrews Institute Adds Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell CenterAndrews Institute Adds Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Center;Novel Technologies Make a Splash in Outpatient Spine Setting - Dr. Nick Shamie Weighs In; US Physician Practices Spend $15.4B+ Yearly on Quality Reporting: 8 Survey Findings;AxiaLIF's Value-Based Advantage: Key Thoughts on TranS1's Spinal Technology;Beyond the Device: How DePuy Synthes is Innovating in Orthopedic & Spine Technology;2-Level Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion: 5 Key Notes on 5-Year Data for LDR's Mobi-C;Spine Implant Costs Vary at US Academic Medical Centers - 5 Things to Know;Material Matters: How Value-Based Spine Devices Can Help Meet the Triple Aim;How to Operate a Successful Spine Practice in a Changing Payer Environment; Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush Launches Spine Tumor Center;The Next Wave of Orthopedic Independent Practice - Integrative Care;CMS's Lowest vs. Highest-Paid Physicians: 5 Key Points;California Hospital to Close After Restructuring Plan Fails;Key Opportunities to Improve Spine Surgery Patient Safety: Dr. Michael Vitale;The Great PA Debate: Should Spine Surgeons Hire Them?;Why Denver Health is Experiencing an Exodus of Physicians; Turning the 'Art of Medicine' Into Evidence-Based Spine Care - Key Thoughts From Dr. Lawrence Lenke;Emory Hospital Reports Massive Drug Theft Scheme;Minimally Invasive vs. Open TLIF: Which is Most Efficient? Has Best Outcomes? 5 Key Notes;Physician Shot and Killed by Patient at Louisiana Hospital;Ex-CEO Allegedly Bilked $1M From Troubled Florida Hospital;Physician Who Claimed to Have 11k Patients Could Spend Rest of Life Behind Bars;8 Key Concerns for Physicians in 2016;Loyalty Rankings: Epic, MEDITECH Clients Feel 'Trapped'; Cerner, athenahealth Clients 'Most Loyal';10 Hospitals Expanding Spine Programs;10 Spine, Neurosurgeon Moves. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
March 2016 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
6 Key Notes on Spinal Fusion Complications & Length of Stay; 13 Statistics on Neurosurgeon Salary in 2016; Tackling Variation in Spine: Why Are There so Many Ways to Treat the Same Patient?; The Best Way to Prepare for the Future in Spine: Dr. Hyun Bae; Long-Term Efficiency of Paradigm Spine's coflex; LDR's Mobi-C vs ACDF: 5 Year Costs & Outcomes; Orthobiologics in Spinal Fusion: 5 Key Notes on Outcomes for Cerapedics' i-FACTOR; ChoiceSpine: Key 2016 Innovations; NuVasive Acquires Ellipse for $380M; Strykers Makes 3 Key Acquisitions in 2016 Q1; Justice Department Investigates Pain Compounding Cream for $500M Potential Fraud: 5 Things to Know; Physician Group M&A Up 15% in Q4: 5 Key Trends; Bundled Payments, Consolidation & More: How OrthoVirginia is Building a Future-Facing Empire; 5 Spine Surgeons Discuss Key Trends Driving the Industry; MedPAC Proposes Eliminating ASC Payment Updates in 2017: 5 Key Notes; The Growth of Outpatient Spine - 9 Key Points. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
January 2016 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Payer Coverage Policies in Spine- Key Thoughts From Dr. Gregory Przybylski; Healthcare Executives Expect M&A to Drive Growth in 2016; Cervical Spine Research Society Elects Dr. Robert Heary President: 6 Key Notes; Is Your Medical Device Hacked?; The Theory Behind Geisinger's Spine Surgery Refund; Healthcare Sector to be Biggest Source of Jobs in Next Decade: 4 Statistics; Population Health on a Budget: How One Orthopedic Surgeon Succeeded in Chicago's Most Impoverished Neighborhoods; Orthopedic ASC Income Statement- 20 Key Statistics; Advocate Health Care to Run 56 Metro Chicago Walgreens Clinics: 6 Things to Know; Moody's: 3 Important Insights Into the Orthopedic Device Industry in 2016; OrthoVirginia Merges With The Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia; Key Thoughts on Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Coverage & Payer Policy; Google and Johnson & Johnson to Form New Surgical Company- 4 Highlights; 22 Minimally Invasive Spine Devices to Know; Do You Have a Lean OR? How to Improve Quality & Cut Costs in Spine From Dr. Lloyd Hey; How ICD-10 Affects 2 Spine Practices; A Surprising Uptick: More Physicians Not Selling Practices; High Rate of Hospital Employment of Physician Linked to Lower Hospital Profits; Getting Past the Fear of Spine Surgery in an ASC Setting; Exciting Trends for 2016: 3 Spine Surgeons Share; Is Formality a Thing of the Past? 5 Notes on Patients Calling Physicians by Their First Name; 25 Spine Surgeons Recently on the Move; Will Spine Face Bundled Payments in the Future?; 7 Key Trends in Healthcare Spending for 2016; Healthcare is Barreling Toward Integration- 5 Key Thoughts; Cerner's Ultimatum to Employees: Give up Right to Sue, or Give Up Raises; CMS Finalizes Bundled Payment Initiative for Hip, Knee Replacements: 7 Key Notes. Click here to view the featured stories and download the PDF of the issue.
2015
November 2015 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Future of Private Practice: Key Thoughts From OrthoCarolina CEO Dr. Daniel Murrey;
The 2016 Presidential Campaign Trail: Key Issues for Spine Surgeons;
How the Economy Affects Spine Surgeons; Try Your Hand at Politics: 5 Core Concepts for Spine Surgeons; CNN Names ‘Undercover Physician’ and Orthopedic Surgeon Top Heroes of 2015; Give Everyone Skin in the Game — Dr. Richard Kube on Physician Independence & The Business of Healthcare; The Future of Private Practice: Key Thoughts From OrthoCarolina CEO Dr. Daniel Murrey; Coding Updates for Sacroplasty in 2015; The Future of Private Practice: Key Thoughts From OrthoCarolina CEO Dr. Daniel Murrey; One Surgeons — And What They Need to Know for the Future; Are Independent Physicians Facing a Dependent Future?; 9 Things to Know About Spine in ASCs; 10 Spine, Neurosurgeons on the Move; 10 Statistics on Neurosurgeon Salaries & Bonuses; First Implant of Alphatec Spine’s Bone Graft Implant Successful: 5 Takeaways; Global Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Devices Market on the Rise: 5 Things to Know; Global Spinal Implants and Devices Market to Hit $15.7B by 2020: 5 Things to Know; Defining Value in Spine: Improved Outcomes & Cost Reduction; Has Orthopedic Surgeon Salary Diminished in the Last 5 Years?; Hospitals Turning to Physician Practice Acquisitions for Growth: 5 Key Trends; Whistle-Blower Physician: ‘We Have Got to Get Hospitals Out of the Business of Hiring Doctors’; High vs. Low Volume Surgeons for Scoliosis Procedures; Spine Payments, Competition & New Techniques: What Excites Spine Surgeons Most About the Current Landscape; When Spine Surgery Navigation Becomes Cost Effective: 5 Key Notes; Where Non-Operative Spine Specialists Fit in the Future: What Surgeons Need to Know; 5 Essentials for Surgeons to Know About the Stock Market; Physician Assistant Pay: 5 Things to Know. Click here to view the featured stories and download the pdf of the issue.
July/August 2015 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
How spine surgeons fit into population health — 3 key ways practices are changing; How orthopedic & spine practices can thrive over the next 5 years — Drs. Richard Wohns, Daniel Murrey, David Rothbart; 8 trends in the spine surgery payer, reimbursement market; Publishers Letter; 38 spine-driven ASCs to know | 2015; McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center fires surgeon who performs cases at ASC; surgeon sues hospital - 11 key notes; Hospitals face 4 lawsuits in connection with unnecessary spine surgeries case — 6 things to know; Dr. Aria Sabit pleads guilty to unnecessary spine surgery, faces 11+ years in prison — 5 things to know; Population health and spine: 5 key predictions & 5 ways to prepare for the future; Dr. Neel Anand: Challenges & opportunities in spine population health; Neurosurgeon named in counterfeit spinal implant lawsuit — 5 things to know; CMS proposes ASC policy, payment changes for 2016: 8 things to know; Biggest influences, accomplishments & leadership through change — Spotlight on Dr. Richard Wohns; Do you have an independent spine practice? These ancillaries will keep you there; 10 spine, neurosurgeons on the move — June 4, 2015; Blue Cross parent posts $281.9M loss in first year of PPACA exchanges; Healthcare spending rises 7.2% in Q1: 5 key points; 2016 PPACA insurance rates: 8 things to know; The CORE Institute, Louisiana Orthopaedic Specialists partner: 4 important observations; 3,900 physicians earn millions from Medicare in 2013: 3 things to know; 5 literature-loving spine surgeons discuss the works that influenced them most; Brigham and Women's Hospital names Dr. James Kang orthopedics chairman: 6 key facts; The best music to pump up or calm down orthopedic, spine surgeons in the OR; Cigna rejects latest takeover bid from Anthem; Geisinger Medical Center joins Employers Centers of Excellence for spine care — 6 key notes; 5 statistics on orthopedic surgeon net worth; CMS unable to verify $2.8B in payments to insurers; Motion preservation and the rise of disc replacement; Fallout from the physician shortage: How will it affect spine care; 5 things to know about adult spinal deformity patient-reported outcomes; Supreme Court keeps ACA exchange subsidies intact — 5 things to know; OIG kickback alert focuses on physician compensation arrangements; Click here to view the featured stories and download the pdf of the issue.
May 2015 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
How The CORE Institute grew 40% last quarter — IT leads the way; The corporate takeover of healthcare: What it means for spine surgery; How innovative spine surgeons stay on the cutting-edge — And where to focus in the future; Publisher's Letter; 20 Spine Surgeon Leadership Awards; Top 10 specialties with highest pay — Orthopedists lead the pack; Dr. Alexander Vaccaro takes the helm at Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques — 5 key changes; Drs. Larry Lenke, Daniel Riew, Ronald Lehman leaving St. Louis for NYC — 5 things to know; 7 key statistics on retail clinics; Proposed CMS 2016 IPPS rule would increase MU payments 1.1%; Becker’s ASC 22nd Annual Meeting -The Business and Operations of ASCs brochure; How Much of Your Taxes are Spent on Healthcare? 5 Things to Know; ACOs Now Serve About 16% of US Residents; Executive Briefing: Key Thoughts on Oblique Lateral Spine Surgery A Differentiated Approach in Lateral Spine Surgery: Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF at L2-L5); Titanium spinal implants? 5 key points on effectiveness; 7 important trends in the global orthobiologics market; Medtronic is headed for strong 2015 — 8 reasons why; 10 states where physicians earn the most; Bundled spine surgery for Walmart, Lowe's employees — 6 things to know; Physicians: 5 most prevalent effects of PPACA roll-out; Texas Children's Hospital names Dr. John Dormans orthopedics chief: 6 things to know; 25 Spine Device Awards | 2015; Spinal deformity surgery — On the cutting edge with Drs. Isador Lieberman, Suken Shah; Minimally invasive spine surgery — Current trends & topics; How high-energy spine surgeons start their day — 5 things to know; The best vacation spots for spine surgeons; Building an empire: How Dr. Douglas Won created a physician-led health system; First Choice Healthcare Adds The B.A.C.K. Center — 5 Key Takeaways; The best & worst states for physicians to practice; 5 Key Observations on Spine Surgeon Interaction With Insurance Companies; Criminal attacks No. 1 cause of healthcare data breaches: 5 things to know; Bringing a Spine Start-Up to Fruition — New Technology in Spine Navigation; Mount Sinai Health System Appoints Dr. Andrew Hecht Chief of Spine Surgery — 5 Key Notes; Click here to view the featured stories and download the pdf of the issue.
March 2015 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Words From the Wise: Dr. Gunnar Andersson on Spine Surgery’s Evolution, Leadership & Life After Clinical Practice; Spotlight on a Spine Surgeon Leader: Dr. Alexander Vaccaro; 6 Key Thoughts on Spinal Implants, Outpatient Surgery & Future Expectations; Publisher’s Letter; 5 Things to Know About Hospital Costs for Anterior Cervical Fusions; Where Do Physicians Earn the Most?; Spinal Implant Material Matters: What Titanium Can Do for You (and Your Patients); Why Endoscopic Spine Surgery is the Next Tech Disruptor; 13th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine brochure; 55 Spine Surgeons on the Forefront of Biologics & Stem Cells; Medtronic Pays $2.8M in False Claims Settlement — 5 Things to Know; 5 Top Investments for Spine Surgeons Today; 18 Statistics on Orthopedic Surgeon Salary & Bonus; The PA’s Role Today: 5 Key Thoughts; A Physician Shortage is Coming — Will it Impact Spine?; BCBS of Texas Forms 1st ACO-Like Organization With State Medical Association; Medical Errors Still a Leading Cause of Death in America; UCLA to Pilot Inclusion of Genomic Data in EHR; Dr. Sanjay Khurana Helps Rescue Harrison Ford From Crashed Air Plane; In-Office Ancillaries Under Attack — 5 Key Points; Google, Twitter, Yahoo Among 3rd Parties Accessing HealthCare.gov Data; Click here to view the featured stories and download the pdf of the issue.
January 2015 Issue of Becker's Spine Review.
Global Payments are Changing Spine Care — 5 Key Observations; 10 Observations on Spine Tech Innovation: Are We Entering the Dark Ages?; Public Healthcare Policy 101 for Spine Surgeons — What to Know for 2015; Physicians Report Lower Compensation Increases: 6 Things to Know; Where Spine Surgery & Innovation is Headed: 10 Surgeons on Big Roadblocks & Opportunities; How Can Orthopedic Residency Programs Improve? 5 Key Observations; How Spine Patient Care Pathways are Changing — For the Better? How Spine Patient Care Pathways are Changing — For the Better?; Spine Surgery for Medicare Patients in ASCs in 2015 — But Will Spine Make Good Business Sense?; 10 Observations on Healthcare Merger & Acquisition Activity for the Future; Staying Independent Despite Healthcare Reform? 8 Tips; Outlook for Cervical Disc Replacement: Rosy, With the Right Data; Zimmer Spine Outlook: Key Thoughts & Trends From Steve Healy; Minimally Invasive SI Joint Fusion: Ready for Prime Time; Spine Surgery for ‘Generation Me’: Will Customization Lead to Better Outcomes?; CMS Final Rule: 10 Key Concepts for Physician Pay; 5 of the Biggest False Claims Act Developments in 2014; 37 Spine Surgeons Under 40 to Know; 50 Key Points on the Spine Device Market Through 2020. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue.
2014
October 2014 Issue of Becker's Spine Review
How Spine Surgery Will Thrive in a Data-Driven World; Spine Device Market Report: 5 Key Concepts for Future Growth; What Spine Surgeons stand to gain and lose from risk sharing payment models; Quality, Cost & Patient Satisfaction Post-Reform: How Top Spine Surgeons Accomplish Them All; Turning the Ideal into Reality: How to Practice Sustainable Spine Care; The Most Valuable Leader in Spine: 5 ways to Become a Sustainable Spine Champion; Rising Stars: 35 Spine Surgeons Under 40 to Know; The Cost of Spine Care: 5 Factors Surgeons Can Impact; The Lateral Revolution: How New Technology Makes Spine Surgery Better; 5 Spine Device Companies Ready for Prime Time; 10 Big Spine, Orthopedic Device Company Acquisitions in 2014; What Does it Take to Succeed in the Spine Device Market? Quality, Surgeon Partnerships & Differentiation; Leading the Charge in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery- How One Institution is Paving the Way; 10 Statistics on Orthopedic Surgeon Salary & Bonus; Orthopedist vs Neurosurgeon for Spine Surgeries; Does it Make a Difference? 226 Spine Surgeons to Know - 2014; PODs Under Attack - 5 things to Know; Can you guarantee orthopedic outcomes?; Spine Surgery Episodes of Care: $9k Medicare Payment Variation - 5 things to Know; 25 Spine Surgical Specialists on the Move. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue.
July Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Deconstructing the Cost of Spine Care: Where Dollars Really Go; Accountable Spine Care: Behind the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative; The Volatile Spine Device Market: Mergers, IPOs & International Growth; Publisher’s Letter; 17 Spine Surgeons Receive Leadership Award; Dr. Roger Hӓrtl: 4 Exciting Areas in Spine Development; Stem Cells for Spine: Phase 2 Outcomes Promising for Mesoblast; XLIF for Scoliosis Surgery: Dr. Frank Phillips Measures Positive Outcomes; The Economics of Spine Surgery: How Pain Management Makes a Difference; Changing the Way We Look at Pain & Functional Outcomes in Spine Surgery; The Financial Health of Providers: Impact of Spine Patient Satisfaction & Pain Management; Young Spine Surgeons Entering the Field: 5 Key Trends; CPT Editorial Panel Updates for Spine: 2 Key Concepts for 2015; Medtronic's $22M Infuse Settlement: 5 Things to Know; The Making of an Interactive Spine Registry: Dr. Zoher Ghogawala; Becker’s ASC 21st Annual Meeting -The Business and Operations of ASCs Brochure; 5 Core Concepts on the Biggest Strides in Complex Spine Today; 15 Growing Spine Device Companies; Post Sunshine Act: How Spine Surgeon Relationships With Industry Are Evolving; Medicare Data Released: How Data Transparency is Transforming the Spine Field; How Spine Surgeons Opening ASCs Will Impact Healthcare Delivery & Costs; Regional Brain and Spine’s Innovative Business Strategy: Leasing One ASC Day Per Week; The Hancocks of Healthcare — A Nashville Success Story. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue.
April Issue of Becker's Spine Review
Minimally Invasive vs. Open Spine Surgery: Where the Field is Headed; Evidence-Based Medicine, Healthcare Reform & Reimbursement in Spine: Q&A With NASS President Dr. William Watters; Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: What the Long-Term Data Means for Spine; Publisher's Letter; Strides in Spine Surgery: Where We Are & Where We're Going; Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Do Benefits Outweigh the Risks?; Cost-Effectiveness: How Do MIS & Open Spine Surgeries Compare?; 10 Spine Procedure Coverage & Reimbursement Updates; Spine Moneyball: How Analytics Will Impact Spine Care Over the Next 5 Years; Scoliosis Surgery Technology Advancement — Clinical, Cost & Quality Advantages of Precision Spine's Reform® System; Spine Surgery's Next Frontier: Biologics & Regenerative Medicine; 16 Spine Device Awards — 2014;Global Medical Device Market Updates: Expect Big Growth in Spine, Biomaterials; Spine Device Market Update: Best Opportunities & Biggest Challenges; Do Spine Surgeons Treat Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation Differently? 5 Findings; 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Business of Spine Brochure; The Future of Spinal Fusion: Where BMP Stands Today & Tomorrow; 20 Cutting-Edge Innovations in Spine; Innovation in Spine MIS, Biologics & More: Can Anything Stem the Flow?; Roadblocks to Spine Reimbursement: Overcome Today's Challenges & Prepare for Tomorrow; The Future of Spine Surgery at ASCs: Q&A With Meridian Surgical Partners President Kenny Hancock; Orthopedic Spine Surgeon Reimbursement: Patient Perception vs. Reality; 20 Spine Surgeons & Specialists on the Move; Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
January Issue of Becker's Spine Review
How Will the Healthcare Changes Shape the Practice of Spine Surgery?; Going Global: Where the Spine Device Market is Headed; Bundled Payments for Spine Surgery: Are They a Good Idea?; Publisher’s Letter; How Spine Surgeons Can Succeed With Consensus Building: Q&A With Dr. K. Daniel Riew ; NASS to Washington Post: Don’t Condemn All Spinal Fusions; Dr. Daniel Resnick: NASS Registry Update; Spine Surgery vs. Joint Replacement: Cost Effectiveness Compared; 8 Spine and Neurosurgeons on the Move; 51 Spine Surgeons on Top Leadership Strategies; Can Spine Device Start-Ups Still Survive?; OIG Issues Findings on Spine Device Physician-Owned Distributorships; Device Companies — 7 Key Notes — NuVasive, Zimmer Spine & More; Key Advice for a Successful Practice: 5 Spine Surgeons Weigh In; Spotlight on Innovative Spine Care Delivery: Geisinger Neuroscience Institute's Dr. Jonathan Slotkin; 10 Key Components of On-Call Contracts for Spine Surgeons; 12th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Business of Spine Brochure; The Future of Spine Surgery; Outpatient Spine Surgery: 5 Surgeons on Performing Cases in ASCs; CMS Won’t Cover New Technique for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Patients; Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion: 4 Findings on Dysphagia Levels; Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
2013
October Issue of Becker's Spine Review
The Future of Spine Surgeon Employment: Q&A With Dr. Gunnar Andersson of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush; 13 Strategies for Spine Surgeons to Improve Clinic Efficiency; 92 Spine Surgeon Inventors & Innovators to Know; How to Move the Spine Field Forward: Q&A With Dr. Lawrence Lenke; Advance Spine Through Leadership in Professional Societies: Q&A With Rothman Institute President Dr. Todd Albert; 6 Spine Surgeon Honors & Awards; 5 Areas for Spine Surgeon Leaders to Pave the Way Today From Dr. Richard Wohns; 7 Access to Care Issues for Spine Patients & How Surgeons Can Overcome Them; 8 Predictions on the Future of Spine Surgery Innovation; What Is the Future of Biologics in Spine? 4 Surgeons Discuss; 5 Questions to Ask Before Transitioning Spine Cases to Ambulatory Surgery Centers; Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
July Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
14 Spine Surgeons Receive Leadership Awards; Driving Value in Spine Care: Outpatient Spine Surgery; 5 Qualities of Spine Center Leaders for Today & Tomorrow; Publisher's Letter; 139 Speakers at the 2013 Annual Ambulatory Surgery Centers Conference; What Medicare Cuts Mean for Spine Surgeons: Q&A With Dr. Terrence Crowder of Sonoran Spine Center; Starting a Device Company: 3 Steps From Dr. Scott Spann; 5 Spine Surgeons on the Most Fulfilling Aspects of Their Careers; Fostering Evidence-Based Spine Advances: Q&A With Dr. Daniel Resnick of NASS; 105 Spine Surgery Practices to Know; 5 Ideas for Spine Practice Growth in Today's Healthcare Market; Neurosurgeon Salary vs. Hospital Revenue Generated; 6 Strategies to Make Spine Practice Business Models More Patient-Centric; 2012 vs. 2011: 20 Statistics on How Orthopedist Compensation Changed; How to Reduce Costs & Maintain Quality of Care: 5 Spine Surgeons Weigh In; 4 Challenges Today's Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons Face; 3 Predictions for the Future of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; 5-Year Spinal Disc Replacement Data is In: How it Compares With Spinal Fusion; 8 Trends for the Surgical Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis; 45 Spine Surgeons at Spine & Orthopedics-Focused Hospitals; How to Build & Manage Spine Groups in the 21st Century: Q&A With Dr. Richard Kube; Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
April Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
8 Big Trends in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; 50 Spine Surgeons & Specialists Researching Biologics for Spine Treatments; Economics, Politics & the Independent Spine Surgeon: Q&A With Dr. Craig Callewart; 8 Big Trends in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; 50 Spine Surgeons & Specialists Researching Biologics for Spine Treatments; Economics, Politics & the Independent Spine Surgeon: Q&A With Dr. Craig Callewart; 6 Top Advocacy Issues for North American Spine Society; 5 Proactive Steps for Spine Surgeons to Influence Spine Care Policy; 11 Spine Surgeons Discuss Exciting Trends for the Future; 11th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference; Spine Imaging: 5 Strategies for Meeting “Milliman Criteria” Requirements; Incorporating Weight-Bearing MRI Into Spine Practices: Q&A With Dr. Douglas Smith of Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants; 5 Big Opportunities for Spine Surgery Research & Development; Discectomy for Disc Herniation Could Save $2.1 Billion Over Non-Surgical Treatment; 18 Spine Surgeon & Specialist Appointments and Accomplishments; The Future of Spine Innovation: Q&A With Dr. Hyun Bae of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; 4 35 Spine Device Companies Making a Difference; Spine Technology Coverage Post Healthcare Reform: Q&A With Dr. Gunnar Andersson of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush; Minimally Invasive Spine Market Expected to Top $2B by 2017; Global Nonfusion Spine Market to Grow to $1B by 2017; 8 Factors Impacting Spine Surgery Coverage Rates; 6 Factors for Positive Employee Culture at Spine Groups; Lowering Hospital Readmissions: 4 Ideas for Spine Surgeons; 35 Spine-Driven ASCs to Know; Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
January Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
100 Spine Surgeons Advancing the Field; 5 Factors for Spine Surgeons to Negotiate Better Payor Contracts; 10 Key Trends in Spine Surgery for 2013; 100 Spine Surgeons Advancing the Field; 10 Key Trends in Spine Surgery for 2013; 5 Factors for Spine Surgeons to Negotiate Better Payor Contracts; Biggest Challenges for Spine Surgeons Heading Into 2013: Q&A With Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein; Dr. Thomas Errico: 5 Goals of International Advocates for Spine Patients; Goals & Priorities for Spine Surgeons Post Healthcare Reform: Q&A With NASS President Dr. Charles Mick; 5 Tips for Entrepreneurial Spine Surgeons to Stay Independent; Insurance Dependency: Gearing Up for Next Year; 11th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference; Quality & Cost-Effective Spinal Imaging of the Future: Q&A With Eric Bailey of NeuroLogica; Quality & Cost-Effective Spinal Imaging of the Future: Q&A With Eric Bailey of NeuroLogica; Passing the Torch: 6 Characteristics to Look For in Tomorrow’s Spine Surgeon Leaders; AreACOs Beneficial for Spine Surgeons? Q&A With Dr. Nick Shamie of UCLA; 8 Important Spinal Technology Advances Heading Into 2013; 50 Spine Surgeons Leading Scoliosis Development; Should CRNAs Treat Chronic Pain? Q&A With ASIPP Chairman Dr. Laxmaiah Manchikanti; 5 Tips to Enhance Pain Specialist Communication With Primary Care Physicians; 8 Benchmarks for Low Back Pain Injections in ASCs; 8 Thoughts on How President Barack Obama’s Re-Election Impacts Spine Surgery; Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
2012
October Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
56 Sports Medicine Practices to Know; 12 Tactics for Spine Surgeons to Avoid Hospital Employment; 10 Trends in Reimbursement for Spinal Surgery; Publisher’s Letter: October 2012; 8 Challenges for Spine Surgeons Over the Next 10 Years; 7 Trends Impacting the Future of Spinal Surgery; 5 Big Changes in Coverage Policies Devastating Spine Surgery; 10 Top Issues for Spine Surgeons After the Supreme Court Upheld Healthcare Reform; 7 Spine Surgeons on Biggest Opportunities for Growth in Spinal Surgery; Developing an Orthopedic Spine & Neurosurgery Partnership That Works: Q&A With Dr. Edward Benzel and Adam Bartsch of Cleveland Clinic; 60 Spine Surgeon Inventors to Know; 8 Benefits for Spine Practices of Adding Pain Management; Inside the Orthopedic Bundled Payment Program in Tennessee: Q&A With TriZetto's Camille Van Vurst and Blue Cross's Dr. Thomas Lundquist; Where Orthopedic Surgeons Fit in ACOs: 3 Experts Weigh-In; 11 Key Legal Risk Areas for ASCs; Why a Physician-Owned Orthopedics Specialty Hospital Can Succeed: Q&A With Rothman Specialty Hospital; 7 Challenges & Innovations on the Horizon for Orthopedic Technology; 7 Biggest Factors Impacting Spine Research & Innovation; 5 Expectations for the Minimally Invasive Spine Market; Pressing Issues in Interventional Pain Management Advocacy: Q&A With Dr. Scott Glaser of ASIPP; Minimally Invasive Total Shoulder Replacements & What Lies Ahead for Shoulder Surgery: Q&A With Dr. Anthony Romeo of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush; On the Forefront of ACL Reconstruction: 4 Points From Dr. Freddie Fu of UPMC Sports Medicine; 18 Spine Surgeons & Specialists on the Move. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
July Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
55 Spine Surgery Practices to Know; The Most Important Issues Facing Spine Surgeons: Q&A With ISASS President Dr. Steven Garfin; 10 Steps to Negotiate Smart Bundled Payment for Orthopedic Surgery; Publisher’s Letter: July 2012; 6 Steps to Prepare for the Future of Outpatient Spine Surgery; The Making of a Minimally Invasive Spine Institute: Q&A With Dr. Frank Phillips of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush; 8 Spine Surgeons on the Future of Spinal Fusions; 7 Steps for Spine Surgeons to Avoid Commoditization; Funding the Future of Spine Research: Q&A With Dr. Charles Branch & Dr. James Heckman of Collaborative Spine Research Foundation; 12 Spine Surgeon Recognitions; 5 Thoughts for Spine Surgeons on Migrating Cases to ASCs; How Does Kentucky's Latest Pain Management Legislation Impact Physicians? Q&A With Dr. Laxmaiah Manchikanti of ASIPP; 4 Steps to Greater Collaboration Between Pain Management & Primary Care; 10 Benchmarking Statistics About ASC Pain Management Revenue; Dr. Brian Cole: 5 Big Challenges for Orthopedic Surgeons Today; 22 Spine-Driven Ambulatory Surgery Centers; 5 Points on Orthopedic Surgeon Income & Payment Models; 15 Statistics on Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation in 2011; 8 Points on Teleradiology for Sports Medicine; Contact Sports: "You Should Have Your Head Examined"; Global Teleradiology Market to Grow 19.3% to 2015; 10 Steps for Spine Surgeons to Negotiate Best Vendor Contracts; Innovation in Spine Technology Post Healthcare Reform: Q&A With Dr. Dennis Crandall; Where the Spine Technology Market is Headed: Q&A With K2M CEO Eric Major; 10 Milestones for Spine Devices & Implants; 30 Orthopedic Surgeons on the Move. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
April Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
208 Spine Surgeons & Specialists to Know; 11 Key Issues Facing Surgery Centers—2012; 8 Keys to Success in Sports Medicine From Dr. James Andrews; Publisher’s Letter: April 2012; 4 Strategies to Prepare for Changes in Reimbursement; The State of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Q&A With SMISS Co-Founder Dr. William Taylor; 8 Pillars of Success at Sonoran Spine Center; Dr. Frank Cammisa: 8 Top Challenges for Spine Surgeons This Year; Dr. Stephen Hochschuler: 8 Changes to Ensure a Brighter Future for Spine Surgery; 7 Best Practices for Increasing Spine Center Profitability; 10th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference; Dr. Brian Cole: 3 Exciting Trends in Sports Medicine Research; 6 Goals for Sports Medicine From Dr. Kevin Plancher; 4 Business Principles for Growing a Sports Medicine Center; The Future of Evidence-Based Medicine in Pain Management: Q&A With Dr. Laxmaiah Manchikanti of ASIPP; 5 Procedures Pain Management Physicians Must Do in 2012; 25 Orthopedic Surgeons on the Move. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
January/February Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
125 Outstanding Knee Surgeons; 101 Hospitals With Great Spine & Neurosurgery Programs; Highest and Lowest Compensated Orthopedists: 5 Things to Know; Publisher's Letter; 10 Tips for Orthopedic Practices to Remain Independent; 5 Principles of Rothman Institute's Innovative Orthopedic Practice Business Model; 5 Points on Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation and Expenses; Are Partial Knee Replacements a Passing Trend or the Future of Knee Care; Uncovering the Chondrolysis Mystery: 7 Insights to Know; 5 Points on Developing a Concierge Sports Medicine Practice; NASS Next Year: Dr. Michael Heggeness on Goals & Challenges for 2012; Where Spine Research is Headed: 5 Points From Dr. Frank Phillips; Importance of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in the ASC Setting: Q&A With Dr. John Peloza; Now is a Great Time to be a Physician: Q&A With Dr. John Caruso on Physician Involvement in Healthcare Changes; Spine vs. Neurosurgeon Compensation: Who Receives More?; Healthcare Reform and its Effect on Pain Management: Q&A With Dr. Laxmaiah Manchikanti of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians; Dr. Scott Glaser: The Need for Interconnected Prescription Monitoring Programs; 10 Ways to Improve Profitability for Pain Management; 28 Pain Management-Driven ASCs to Know; 5 Points on Ultrasound for Pain Management; 12 Research and Development Projects for New Orthopedic & Spine Technology; 10 Orthopedic & Spine Device Company Financial Reports; Low Cost Orthopedic Implants: 5 Things to Know About Buying at Wholesale Price; 25 Orthopedic Surgeons on the Move; Being a Team Physician for Professional Athletes: Q&A With Indiana Pacers Team Physician Dr. Timothy Hupfer. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
2011
September/October Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
Will There Be a Place for Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon Relationships With Device Companies in the Future? 6 Responses; Robotics in Orthopedic Surgery: 6 Points on the Present and Future; 67 Outstanding Shoulder Surgeons and Specialists; Publisher’s Letter: September 2011; Dr. John Caruso: Becoming a Champion of Change in Healthcare; Dr. Brian Cole: Developing the Future of Cartilage Regeneration in Orthopedics; Simplifying the Complexities of Being a Team Physician for Professional Athletes: Q&A With Dr. Doug Freedberg; What Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Means and Why it Will Survive: 5 Points From Dr. Frank Phillips; Dr. Frank Cammisa: 4 Points on Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusions; Top 10 Things to Look for in a Teleradiology Group; Changes for CMS Imaging Reimbursement; Dr. Scott Glaser: 6 Points on Why Repeal of IPAB and PCORI is Necessary; Impact on Pain Management of the New Outcomes Research Institute: Q&A With Dr. Laxmaiah Manchikanti; 50 Orthopedic and Spine Devices to Know; 30 Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons on the Move. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
July/August Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
6 Ways Evidence-Based Medicine Impacts Orthopedic and Spine Surgery; AAOS President Dr. Daniel Berry: 4 Thoughts on the Future; 50 Great Orthopedic Practices to Know; Publisher’s Letter: July 2011; 9 Points for Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons on Forming Positive Relationships With Hospitals; 70 Outstanding Hip Surgeons and Specialists; Zimmer’s Cheryl Blanchard: 5 Points on the International Consortium of Orthopaedic Registries; 10 Biggest Trends in Spine Pain Management; 6 Studies Supporting Timely Surgical Intervention for Appropriate Spine Indications; 5 New Studies Influencing Sports Medicine; What Percentage of Orthopedic Surgeons Will be Employed in 5 Years? 10 Responses; 30 Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons on the Move. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
March/April Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
100 of the Best Spine Surgeons and Specialists in America; 4 Solutions to Common Reasons Why Orthopedic Surgeons Lose Money; Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon Compensation: How Does Your Subspecialty Stack Up?; Publisher’s Letter: March 2011; Spinal Fusions Face an Uncertain Future; 4 Ways Sports Medicine Physicians Can Stay Ahead; 8 New Studies Impacting Sports Medicine; Orthopedic and Spine Device Industry Post-Reform: 6 Challenges; Physician-Hospital Contracting – A Compliance Approach; 20 Headline-Making Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
January/February Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
70 of the Best Knee Surgeons in America; The Year Ahead: 9 Biggest Issues for Orthopedic Surgeons in 2011; The Future of Orthopedic Surgeon Employment: 3 Core Concepts; Publisher’s Letter: November/December 2010; 5 Top-Paid Specialists Include Spine, Neurosurgery and Sports Medicine; Spine Surgery in 2011 and Beyond: 7 Points About the Future of Spine Surgery; 5 Techniques for Increasing Patient Volume at Your Sports Medicine Practice; 10 Recent Orthopedic and Spine Device Company Partnerships and Acquisitions. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
2010
November/December Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
7 Healthcare Reform Changes Affecting Orthopedic Surgeons; Latest Trends in Spine Surgery Techniques: Laser and Stem Cell Technology; 24 Orthopedic Practices With Great Sports Medicine Programs; Publisher’s Letter: November/December 2010; 6 Ways to Avoid Denied Claims for Spine Procedures; 4 Technologies to Improve Orthopedic Practice Revenue Cycle Management; AHA Complains of Overzealous False Claims Enforcement on Spinal Procedure; 3 Clarifications for Orthopedic Injection Coding; 4 Issues Which Will Shape the Future of Orthopedics; 5 Best Practices for Physicians to Develop a Successful Sports Medicine Practice; Top 5 Orthopedic Device Companies Based on 2009 Revenues; DePuy Orthopaedics Recalls ASR Hip System; 6 Key Questions to Ask When Considering an Ancillary Physical Therapy Program at Your Practice; PRP Use for Orthopedics: Updates and Standards from AAOS; 8 Statistics About Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation; Healthcare Reform Act’s Impact on Orthopedic and Spine Device Companies. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
September/October Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
6 Key Issues and Trends Impacting Outpatient Services and Physician-Owned Facilities; Trends in Sports Medicine: Q&A With AOSSM President Dr. Robert Stanton; 13 Strategic Thoughts and Concepts for Orthopedic Practices: Developing a Strategic Plan and Allocating Practice Resources; Publisher’s Letter: September/October 2010; Spine and Sports Medicine Surgeons Top List of Highest Paid Orthopedic Specialties; How One Entrepreneurial Patient Helped Found a Chain of Leading Outpatient Spine Institutes: Q&A With LSI Co-Founder Bill Horne; 42 Orthopedic and Spine Device Companies to Know; Dr. Boyd Haynes: Q&A About Virginia’s First Outpatient Total Knee Replacement; 3 Ways to Control Ancillary Service Leakage With OrthoCarolina CEO Dr. Daniel Murrey; 3 Steps to Improve Spine Efficiency and Cut Costs; 4 Ways to Improve Profits at Sports Medicine Practices; 5 Tips for Building a Successful Sports Medicine Center; 5 Tips to Improve Recruitment of Spine Physicians and Staff; 4 Statistics on Spine Surgeon Compensation; 5 Things to Know About the Global Orthopedic Implants Market. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
July Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
8 Implications of Healthcare Reform on Orthopedic and Spine Practices; Call Coverage Payments: Trends, Regulations, Statistics and Valuation Considerations; Independent Medical Practice: Does Healthcare Reform Mark the Beginning of the End?; Publisher’s Letter: July/August 2010; 5 Best Practices to Improve Spine Efficiency in ASCs; Building Strong Anesthesia Partnerships in Spine-Focused ASCs; 6 Ancillary Services to Increase Your Orthopedic Practice Revenue; 8 Statistics About Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation; 18 Orthopedic and Spine Practice CEOs & Administrators to Know; Q&A With Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Della Valle, Orthopedic Surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery; Q&A With Dr. Joshua Siegel, Director of Sports Medicine for Access Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics in Exeter, NH; 9 Keys to OrthoCarolina’s Success; Trends and Developments Shaping the Future of Spine: Q&A With Ben Shappley of Amedica Corp.; NIH Releases New Conflict-of-Interest Rules for Medical Research Funding; 4 Orthopedic Implant and Device Developments; Benefits of Not Carving Out Spine Implant Costs; 6 Trends in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery; Survey: 25% of Orthopedists Plan to Reduce Metal-on-Metal Hip Usage. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
May/June Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
How Healthcare Reform Impacts ASCs and Physician-Owned Hospitals – 10 Observations; To Sell or Not to Sell: A Guide for Orthopedic Practices Eyeing Deals With Hospitals; 9 Reimbursement and Business Concepts for Orthopedics in ASCs; Publisher’s Letter: May/June 2010; What Health Reform Will Mean for Physicians and Hospitals; Orthopedics Gross Charge and Revenue Statistics by Number of ORs; 20 Orthopedic- and Spine-Driven ASCs to Know; 5 Things Orthopedics and Spine Practices Can Do Immediately to Improve Profits; Becker's ASC Review/Becker's Hospital Review Names 100 Best Places to Work in Healthcare; Why Patient Selection Matters to Spine-Focused ASCs: Q&A With Dr. Thomas Forget; 6 Reimbursement and Business Concepts for Spine in ASCs. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
March/April Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
5 Tips to Grow Your Orthopedics Practice From Central Maine Orthopedics; 5 New Developments in Orthopedics; 50 of the Best Spine Specialists in America; Publisher’s Letter: March/April 2010; A Big-Picture Vision for Spine Care: Q&A With Dr. John Caruso; 8 Statistics About Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation; Becker's ASC Review, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review Announce 8th Annual Conference on Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASCs: Improving Profitability and Business and Legal Issues; 4 Trends in Orthopedic and Spine Services in Hospitals and Surgery Centers; Free Becker’s Healthcare Alert Sends Breaking Healthcare Business and Legal News and Analysis to Your Inbox Daily; 10 Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon-Inventors; Brett Gosney: 5 Tips for Maintaining Orthopedic Implant Costs; Study Calls for Changes in Training of Orthopedic Surgeons; Supply of Orthopedic Surgeons Won’t Keep Up With Surging Demand. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
January Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
11 Challenges and Opportunities for Orthopedic and Spine Practices in 2010; 11 Statistics and Facts About Orthopedics and Orthopedic Practices; 25 of the Best Knee Surgeons in the United States; Publisher’s Letter: January 2010; Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons Share 9 Top Concerns for 2010; 7 Orthopedic Clinical Practices That Can Affect Your Organization's Bottom Line With Dr. Carlos Guanche; Spine Surgeon Robert Bray Predicts a Major Shift of Volume Into ASCs; 7 Statistics About the Orthopedics Market; Rush’s Joshua Jacobs Talks about New Orthopedic Building, Translating Research Into Practice; Trends Toward Outpatient Spine Surgery and Healthcare Reform Efforts: Q & A with Chris Zorn of Spine Surgical Innovation. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
2009
October Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
Orthopedic Practice Administrators Salaries: Current Observations, Trends and Best Practices; 5 Best Practices for Preparing for the Future: What Your Orthopedic and Spine Practice Should Do to Thrive Now and After the Recession; 15 Great Hip Specialists to Know; Dr. Timothy Kremchek Shares Insight on How to Develop a Strong Community Presence for an Orthopedic Practice; Providing Quality Spine Care at a Reduced Cost: The Impact of ASC-Based Spine Surgery; ASC Spine Surgery Benchmarking DataBiomet CEO: Reformers Appear to be Biased Against Orthopedists, Other Specialists; Charles Saltzman Installed as President of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society; Study: After-Hours Orthopedic Surgery has Slightly Higher Risks Than Daytime Surgery; 16 Great Orthopedic and Spine Practice Administrators; Orthopedic and Spine Medical Malpractice Costs and Trends: Q & A with Patrick Sedlak and Mark Aldous of Marsh USA; AAOS Advocacy Chair Outlines Health Reform and Other Federal Policy Debates Facing Orthopedics and Healthcare; NASS Expresses Concern Over House Healthcare Bill; Using Benchmarking Surveys to Improve Patient Satisfaction in Orthopedic Practices; 18 Hospitals and Clinics With Great Neurosurgery Programs; Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Pinzur of Loyola University Health System Shares the Best Advice He Ever Received; Standing Out In a Competitive Surgery Center Market: It’s All About the Patient. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
July Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
20 Shoulder Specialists to Know; Improving and Maintaining Profitability in Orthopedic and Spine Practices: 12 Areas of Focus; 10 Large Orthopedic Practices to Know; Publisher’s Letter; 5 Steps for Building a Successful Clinical Spine Practice From Dr. Bruce McCormack; 24 Statistics About Orthopedics in Surgery Centers and Orthopedic Surgeons; 5 Best Practices to Help Address Increasing Patient Out-of-Pocket Expenses; 10 Statistics About Surgery Centers With More Than 50% Orthopedics; 5 Critical Steps to Build a Successful Sports Medicine Practice From Surgeon Keith Pitchford; 7 Best Practices From Surgeon Aleksandar Curcin to Build and Maintain a Successful Spine Practice; The Outpatient Evolution in Spine Surgery: 7 Critical Focus Areas for a Smooth Transition; 15 Medicare/Medicaid Anti-Kickback and Fraud and Abuse Statute Cases Making Headlines in 2009. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
April Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
On-Call Coverage: Should Hospitals Pay Orthopedic Physicians; 11 Key Concepts From the Stark Law; 31 Spine Surgeons to Know; Publisher’s Letter; Average Annual Salary for Spine Surgeons by Region; Secret of Spine Surgery Center Success: The “5 + 3 C’s”; Orthopedic Surgery Salary Statistics by Region; Trends, Developments and Legal Issues in the Orthopedic and Spine Device Markets; 5 Challenges Currently Facing Orthopedic and Spine Practices; Developing Centers of Excellence-Key Concepts, Strategies and Tactics; Centers of Excellence Achieved by Focus, Sweat and Determination; Adding Outpatient Spine to Multi-Specialty ASCs. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue
January Issue of Becker's Orthopedic & Spine Review
10 Knee Specialists to Know; 10 Interesting Statistics and Facts About Orthopedic Practices; Spine Surgeon Dilemma: Standalone Practice or Join Orthopedic Group; 4 Observations on Orthopedic and Spine Devices and Equipment; Will the Federal Government Shut Down Surgery Centers and Physician-Owned Hospitals?; 5 Business Challenges Orthopedic Practices Face; New Report Examines Hospital-Physician Relationships and Arrangements to Secure Successful Alignment With Physicians; 3 Hot Spine Device Trends; 3 Spine Products to Know With Neurosurgeon Dr. James B. Macon; At a Glance: 6 Top Orthopedic Device Companies; Office of Inspector General Issues Advisory Opinion: Physician/Hospital Orthopedic ASC Joint-Venture. Click here to view the featured stories and download a pdf of the issue