Here are seven things for spinal surgeons to know for Jan. 29, 2015.
Healthcare to shift away from fee-for-service in historic overhaul
Starting in 2016, 30 percent of Medicare payments will be based on how well patients are cared for, and by 2018 that number will increase to 50 percent, according to an announcement from HHS. The change is being made to "drive the healthcare system towards greater value-based purchasing — rather than continuing to reward volume regardless of quality of care delivered," according to CMS.
Medtronic-Covidien deal final
Medtronic finalized the acquisition for Covidien yesterday, after several months of waiting for regulatory approval. The final acquisition was for $23.9 billion, and after the deal closed Mr. Ishrak reiterated the company's plans to invest $10 billion in medical technology research over the next 10 years, much of which will be spent in the United States.
Stryker earnings drop 48.8% in 2014
Stryker's 2014 earnings were down and missed expectations. Earnings were down 32.6 percent in the fourth quarter and 48.8 percent in the full year. The net earnings hit $260 million in the fourth quarter and $515 million for the full year.
1st adult patient to receive MAGEC rod reports success
The MAGEC rod has shown benefit for adolescent patients, but recently Deirdre McDonnell underwent the procedure as a 34-year-old. Ms. McDonnell was diagnosed with scoliosis as a baby and spent her life, up until last June, with a 130 degree "C"
shaped spine.
Open vs. minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy: Is there a difference? Study says no
The researchers examined three databases to compare data about open and minimally invasive cervical foraminotomy. Clinical success rate was 92.7 percent for open foraminotomy and it was 94.9 percent for minimally invasive foraminotomy.
InVivo's Neuro-Spinal Scaffold used for 2nd spinal cord injury patient
The patient is enrolled at Carolinas Medical Center, part of the Carolinas HealthCare System in the study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold. The patient had sustained a severe multi-trauma injury. Physicians determined the implantation procedure successful.
OSU Wexner Medical Center plans $14.3M brain, spine institute
The institute will be housed in the building that formerly housed the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. It will be renovated to include 80 to 90 beds for neurological care and specialty units for dementia, trauma, stroke and rehabilitation, among others.
More articles on spine:
O-arm a game-changer at Blount Memorial Hospital
Can MAGEC help adults with scoliosis? 1st patient reports success
How industry sponsorship impacts spine device clinical trials — 5 things to know