Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Sept. 1, 2016.
CMS proposes 8 spine codes for ASC coverage in 2017
CMS is proposing to add eight spine codes to the list of ASC covered procedures in 2017. The procedures include:
• Autograft for spine surgery; local obtained from the same incision: 20936
• Autograft for spine surgery only; morselized: 20937
• Autograft for spine surgery only: 20938
• Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical C2, each additional interspace: 22552
• Posterior non-segmental instrumentation: 22840
• Posterior non-segmental instrumentation: 22842
• Anterior instrumentation; two to three vertebral segments: 22845
• Application of intervertebral biomechanical device to vertebral defect or interspace: 22851
5 largest orthopedic companies have 61% of market share
The largest player in the orthopedic market is still DePuy Synthes at 20 percent, but Zimmer Biomet and Stryker are gaining ground, with 15 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Smith & Nephew ranks fourth at 7 percent and Medtronic boasts 6 percent.
FDA to consider clamping down on stem cell clinics
The FDA will conduct hearings next month to determine if the agency will more closely regulate stem cell clinic offerings. Those opposing these clinics are imploring the FDA to impose stricter regulators, while many clinic managers argue they are practicing medicine and the agency doesn't need to give approval. As per FDA regulations, clinics do not need the agency's approval if the stem cells are derived from a patient's own cells.
Medtronic Q1 profits hit $929M, spine revenue down 6%
Medtronic reported $7.1 billion in worldwide revenue for the first quarter, a 1 percent decrease over the same period last year. Medtronic's spine division reported a 6 percent decrease in revenue to $645 million. The core spine business was up in the low-single digits in the United States with a number of new products and focuses on the procedural innovation driving improved results.
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush adds spine surgeon Dr. Gregory Lopez
Chicago-based Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush welcomed Gregory Lopez, MD, to its team. Dr. Lopez performs minimally invasive surgery to treat complex spinal degenerative disorders. After completing his orthopedic surgery residency at University of California Irvine, Dr. Lopez completed his spine surgery fellowship at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.
87% of pediatricians reported parents refusing vaccines in 2013
An American Academy of Pediatrics' fellows survey report found a striking increase in the number of parents refusing to vaccinate their children between 2006 and 2013. Compared to 74.5 percent of pediatricians reporting parental vaccine refusals in 2006, 87 percent of pediatricians reported the same in 2013. As for reasons for refusals, 73.1 percent of pediatricians in 2013 believed parents found the vaccines unnecessary.
Barrow Brain and Spine welcomes neurosurgeons Drs. Kaith Almefty & Jay Turner
Kaith Almefty, MD, and Jay D. Turner, MD, PhD, joined Phoenix-based Barrow Brain and Spine. Dr. Almefty specializes in skull base surgery, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas and spinal surgery. Dr. Turner has expertise in scoliosis, spinal deformity, complex spine surgery, revision spine surgery, spinal cord tumors, spinal trauma, minimally invasive spine surgery as well as cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine surgery.
Intralink-Spine reports further positive Réjuve clinical results for chronic low back pain
Lexington, Ky.-based Intralink-Spine reported additional positive clinical results for its Réjuve System. The Réjuve System is intended to offer immediate mechanical support and stabilization to the spinal joint with molecular bonds. At the one-month follow-up, all patients reported reductions in Visual Analog Scale pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index disability.