Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for March 2, 2017.
Trump's first joint address to Congress: What he said about healthcare
President Donald Trump's "message of unity and strength," which he delivered in his first joint address to Congress Tuesday evening, contained an overview of his vision on ACA reform. President Trump laid out five principles to guide Congress as the administration moves to repeal and replace the ACA. Read more in depth here.
Best & worst patient outcomes — Patients may now compare US surgeons by name
Consumers will now be able to identify which surgeons are among the best and worst for patient outcomes, thanks to a Nonprofit Consumers' Checkbook/Center for the Study of Services analysis. The analysis includes more than five million cases performed by more than 50,000 physicians, diving into topics such as how often surgeons' patients die in the hospital or within 90 days of hospital discharge; how many patients have serious complications in the hospital; and how many patients are readmitted within 90 days of discharge for surgery-related issues.
No smoking: Why many physicians refuse to operate on smokers
Physicians are turning smokers away with increasing regularity, according to The Charlotte Observer. As research continues to shed light on the impact a patient's lifestyle has on a surgery's outcome and physicians' salaries, physicians are putting their foot down and starting a bold trend. A 2016 study published in Global Spine Journal revealed non-smokers recover much better after spinal fusion surgery and joint replacements than smokers.
Alphatec Spine launches Arsenal Deformity Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis system
Carlsbad, Calif.-based Alphatec Spine released its new Arsenal Deformity Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, which has successfully completed initial cases. The system includes many low-profile implants that will provide a better anatomical fit and an increased ability to address patient pathologies, improved efficiency of surgical procedures, high-quality biomechanical strength to achieve a solid fusion as well as comfort during complex surgeries.
4 recommendations on measuring elective total joint, spine surgery appropriateness
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines the appropriateness of elective orthopedic and spine procedures. The study authors examined retrospective appropriateness evaluations for total knee and hip replacements as well as lumbar laminectomy. They found 14 percent of the total joint cases and 49 percent of the spine procedures were deemed inappropriate; 27 percent of the total joints and 48 percent of the spine surgeries were deemed appropriate. Read about the study here.
Arkansas lawmakers to consider bill to protect providers' 'religious and moral beliefs'
Arkansas lawmakers are considering a "Healthcare Freedom of Conscience" bill that would protect healthcare workers from breaking their "religious and moral beliefs" to treat patients. The bill, HB 1628, recuses healthcare providers from participating in services that would violate their conscience.
Dr. Jeffrey Coe performs El Camino Hospital's 1st 2-level total disc replacement with Mobi-C
Mountainview, Calif.-based El Camino Hospital's Jeffrey Coe, MD, performed two-level disc replacement surgery on a Silicon Valley executive and athlete who had two ruptured and compressed discs. He utilized Warsaw, Ind.-based Zimmer Biomet's Mobi-C technology, which was the first disc to receive FDA approval for one- and two-level disc replacements.
Mayo Clinic plans $70M expansion
Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic announced a $70 million upgrade to its facilities in Mankato. A $65 million surgical suite and a new gastrointestinal endoscopy center are among the planned construction projects. An additional $5 million will double the orthopedic and sports medicine clinic's size to include 20 rooms and will add on-site radiology services and a minor procedure room.