From hiring the right staff in a challenging labor market to the advantages of technology and the importance of getting to know one's patients, seven spine surgeons from independent practices and health systems across the country discuss how they aim to improve the patient experience at their practices.

Wayne, N.J.-based University Spine Center, Academy Orthopaedics and High Mountain Orthopedics have merged to form OrthoEast.

As consumerism in healthcare continues to rise, so too will competition between practices. Five spine surgeons discuss how practices can stand out in a crowded and increasingly consumer-focused market. 

Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz is investigating claims on behalf of patients whose data may have been stolen in a data breach at Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine in Carmel, Ind., the consumer rights law firm said Aug. 9.

Advanced Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Owensboro, Ky., named a new CEO ahead of a relocation, the Owensboro Times reported Aug. 6.

Atlanta-based Piedmont Orthopedics-OrthoAtlanta has opened a new location in Cartersville, Ga.

Austin Brain and Spine plans to open its eighth location Aug. 29 in Dripping Springs, Texas, according to an Aug. 4 report in CI Community Impact.

Montecito Medical bought the home housing Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay in Lithia, Fla.

Nurses and support staff are a critical part of any spine surgeon's practice, but recruiting and retaining top-tier talent is becoming increasingly challenging in the healthcare labor market.

Three orthopedic groups have merged to form OrthoEast.

Comprehensive Spine & Sports Center, a 20-provider group with locations in California and Las Vegas, has joined IPM Medical Group.

Soaring inflation, a rising physician shortage and workers leaving the healthcare industry because of the COVID-19 pandemic are some of the factors making it difficult for orthopedic groups, hospitals and ASCs to recruit and retain top-tier clinical and administrative talent.

OrthoAlliance, a management services organization, added two Ohio practices: Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center and Clintonville Foot & Ankle Group, both in Columbus.

New York City-based Hospital for Special Surgery was named the No. 1 hospital for orthopedics for the 13th year in a row by U.S. News & World Report.

David Rodriguez, MD, has joined Academy Orthopedics' office in Wayne, NJ., making him the practice's sixth specialist. 

Neurosurgeon Matthew Moore, MD, has joined Marcus Neuroscience Institute in Boca Raton, Fla.,, which is part of Baptist Health, South Florida Hospital News reported July 22.

Roper St. Francis hospital in Charleston, S.C., added a spine and neurosurgery program in May, NBC affiliate Count on News 2 reported July 21.

ThedaCare and Neuroscience Group, both based in Neenah, Wis., are opening a new comprehensive medical center specializing in orthopedics, spine and pain care. 

Richard Berger, MD, of Chicago-based Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, created a telehealth program for total joint replacement patients.

Carrum Health is partnering with Cleveland Clinic Weston (Fla.) Hospital to expand complex joint and spine care to members in Florida.