Here are 13 things for spinal surgeons to know for September 24, 2105.
Average neurosurgeon salary hits $566,476
The bottom 10 percent of neurosurgeons make and average annual salary plus bonus of $317,842, according to Salary.com. The 50th percentile makes an average of $566,476, while the top 10 percent make an average of $855,391.
Coastal Orthopedics and Sports Medicine exec admits to $850k in fraud
David Brooks, a former financial accounting manager at Coastal Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Southwest Florida, plead guilty to mail fraud. Coastal discovered Mr. Brooks used company accounts to purchase $702,091 in American Express gift cards and used the gift card for personal expenses, defrauding Coastal Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of approximately $858,883. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Patient sues Blue Shield of California over denied artificial disc replacement
A patient who underwent artificial cervical disc replacement surgery is suing Blue Shield of California for refusing to cover the procedure. Blue Shield of California considers artificial cervical disc replacement investigational. In his lawsuit, Jeff Bush alleges the refusal to cover artificial disc replacement surgery breaches Blue Shield of California's duty as a fiduciary of an ERISA health plan because there is "valid scientific evidence" to support disc replacement procedures.
Scoliosis braces molding to children's movements are under development
Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science researchers are developing dynamic scoliosis braces for children, a project for which they received a $1 million grant. The team developed prototype wearable spine braces with rings that fit on the torso.
Medical tourism market to grow 19% through 2019
The medical tourism market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 19.38 percent through 2019, according to a Market Research Store report. More patients seek more affordable healthcare overseas. Currently, the medical tourism market is in nascent stage and is expected to gain momentum over the next four years. Bangkok Dusit Medical Services, Bumrungrad Hospital and KPJ Healthcare Berhad lead the market.
Implanet's JAZZ Band now usable with other systems
Implanet, a medical technology company designing vertebral implants, received FDA 510(k) regulatory clearance to market the JAZZ Band as usable with other posterior thoraco-lumbar fixation systems. Implanet hopes this clearance will allow the company to advance the technology's regulatory process in other countries, expanding Implanet's market presence.
Zyga receives 2 new patents for SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System
Zyga Technology, a medical spine device company in Minnetonka, Minn., received two U.S. patents for its SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System. U.S. patent number, 9,113,919, deals with the SImmetry Decorticator's design, and U.S. patent number, 9,101,371, describes a revision of a failed previous SI joint fusion surgery. With the addition of these two patents, Zyga holds 11 patents.
Precision Spine's pedicle screw systems receive FDA approval
Precision Spine received FDA approval of its Reform Modular and HA Coated Pedicle Screw Systems. The system is composed of a cobalt chrome tulip with a proximal tapered triple lead thread, and is designed to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments of adult patients as an adjunct to spinal fusion.
What would prompt physicians to change workplaces?
About 39 percent of 1,001 physicians surveyed in Physicians Practice's 2015 Great American Physician Survey, reported wishing changes of workplaces. Escaping an unhealthy culture ranked first among reasons at 36.4 percent. Allotting more time for personal lives came in second at 26.5 percent. Only 6.9 percent they wished to live in a different area.
Z-Medical, WebOps partner for US pedicle screw system launch
Z-Medical USA announced a strategic partnership with WebOps, a medical device logistics company. WebOps will provide Z-Medical with a comprehensive set of operational processes, tools and services for the U.S. launch of the MIS Z-Pedicle Screw System. The device aims to effectively address the most common spine pathologies and is designed to provide a minimally invasive approach.
BMP market to reach $587M by 2022, driven by spine
The global BMP market is expected to reach $587 million by 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1 percent, according to a Transparency Market Research report. In 2013, spinal fusion accounted for 76.5 percent of the overall BMP market in North America.
Christ Hospital Health opens new spine center
The Christ Hospital Health Network in Cincinnati opened a new spine center, which has 12 surgical suites and 87 private rooms. Orthopedic, spine and sports medicine treatments are offered by the center.
Thomas Patton joins Misonix board of directors
Misonix welcomed Thomas M. Patton to its board of directors. Mr. Patton is president and CEO of CAS Medical Systems, a position he's held since 2010. Thomas O'Neill resigned from the board on May 13 and Mr. Patton will replace him. Mr. Patton earned his degree at College of Holy Cross and completed a law degree at Georgetown University Law Center.
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