Collaboration, data access and avoiding the "race to the bottom" are all elements important to the future of value-based care, according to Brian Larkin, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and chief medical officer of Denver-based Orthopedic Centers of Colorado.

Value-based care has gained traction in spine and orthopedics, and some surgeons say it can hold physicians accountable and has the potential to be more effective. However, others, including Vladimir Sinkov, MD, say more definitive consensus is required in areas of value-based care.

Irvine, Calif.-based Hoag Orthopedic Institute has appointed Kim Mikes, BSN, RN, as its third consecutive female CEO.

The future of value-based care will rely on creativity in spine care, better cost measurements, multidisciplinary teamwork and technological advancements, according to Philip Louie, MD, of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle.

Neurosurgeon Vijay Yanamadala, MD, made history on Oct. 1 when he became the first surgeon to perform an awake spinal fusion in New England.

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. 

On Sept. 22, 2020, Philadelphia-based Rothman Orthopaedic Institute inked its partnership with Orlando, Fla.-based AdventHealth to expand into the Florida market. Rothman's president, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, spoke with Becker's about how that push stands a year later and what's in store in the coming months.

If the past decade is any indication, the field of orthopedic surgery could look dramatically different in 2031 than it does today. According to these seven orthopedic surgeons, some of the most likely changes include shifting roles for clinicians.

New Zealand's healthcare system employs a single-payer model and offers universal coverage to its population of more than 5 million.

Domagoj Coric, MD, a spinal neurosurgeon at Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates in Charlotte, N.C., has a unique position leading the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are some of the emerging healthcare technologies that Bert Mandelbaum, MD, is eager to follow.

Scott Sigman, MD, chief medical officer of Rochester, N.Y.-based OrthoLazer Orthopedic Laser Centers, is concerned about surgeons' future abilities in independent practices. He spoke on the "Becker's Spine and Orthopedic Podcast" about that concern, along with what he's excited about in orthopedics.

Robot-assisted spine surgery is growing exponentially, and many surgeons laud the efficiencies and improved safety measures the technology provides. However, spine robots still have yet to reach their full potential.

Orthopedic surgical robots and navigation systems still have a long way to go when it comes to accuracy, according to Richard Berger, MD, of Chicago-based Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.

The number of orthopedic and total joint replacement cases is expected to rise, according to Richard Berger, MD.

CMS has proposed several changes for 2022, with plans to halt the elimination of the inpatient-only list and return 298 musculoskeletal services back to the list being the most significant changes that would affect orthopedic care.

Michael Bolognesi, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke Health in Durham, N.C., is paying close attention to healthcare trends that will impact patient care and value-based care.

Orthopedic surgeons should hone in on their leadership abilities, according to Joseph Bosco III, MD, vice chair of the orthopedics department at NYU Langone in New York City.

Safety and outcome tracking are the two most important aspects for surgeons trying new technology, according to Alok Sharan, MD.

Thomas Obermeyer, of Barrington Orthopedic Specialists in Schaumburg, Ill., is following the evolution of outpatient surgery, value-based care and consolidation in orthopedics.