Orthopedic

Meeker-based Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine and orthopedic surgeon Rhett Griggs, MD, have increased the practice's number of surgical days in an effort to accommodate rising case volumes, according to an Aug. 21 report from The Daily Sentinel. 

Effective Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare will begin requiring prior authorization for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and Medicare-covered chiropractic services delivered in multidisciplinary offices and outpatient hospital settings. 

Manchester, N.H.-based Elliot Health System's Elliot 1-Day Surgery Center has earned the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care's orthopedic advanced certification for its total joint replacement program, according to an Aug. 20 report from Ink Link.

The average annual wage for orthopedic surgeons is more than $40,000 than the average annual compensation for all other surgeons.

New Bedford, Mass.-based Southcoast Health added orthopedic surgeon Arthur Manoli, MD.

Jacob Ziegler, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minn., recently became the system's first surgeon to use new sensor technology licensed by Zimmer Biomet through a partnership with Canary Medical. 

Charlotte, N.C.-based OrthoCarolina has signed one of the nation’s top college football recruits, David Sanders.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Holy Cross Health has added a married surgeon duo — orthopedic surgeon Tara Gaston Moncman, DO, and neurosurgeon Ryan Moncman, DO. 

Orthopedics has gained distinction in the past year for being the second-highest-paid ASC specialty and the top earner among physicians, with an average annual salary of $558,000. 

A combination of reimbursement challenges and medical education gaps have affected the physician and patient relationship, Brett Shore, MD, said.