Study authors examined administrative claims data for commercial payers, Medicare Advantage and Medicare plans for primary single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusions. The authors also found how payments were distributed among stakeholders.
The study authors found:
1. Hospital costs accounted for 74.2 percent to 77 percent of the total payments for single-level posterior lumbar fusions. Surgeons’ fees accounted for 12.8 percent to 13.7 percent.
2. Readmissions and revisions accounted for 2.1 percent to 2.7 percent of the overall burden; however, among those patients who were readmitted, the readmissions and revisions cost 25 percent to 54 percent of the payment for the 90-day episode.
3. Inpatient surgery facility costs were significantly higher than outpatient surgery facility costs.
4. For commercial payers, the average 90-day payment was $51,465, compared with $26,234 for Medicare Advantage and $25,501 for Medicare.
5. Study authors concluded that reducing hospital costs and readmissions could lower financial burden from spine procedures.
More articles on spine surgery:
Lumbar total disc replacement: Key challenges, long term outcomes vs. spinal fusion
7 MIS spine devices & technologies making the headlines
5 spine surgeons on their goals for 2018
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
