Spine

Today, spine surgeons and their patients face several threats from new industry trends, including prior authorization denials, artificial intelligence and increased care provided by non-physician providers. 

Spine surgeons and neurosurgeons sometimes have overlap in the type of care they offer. However their training paths are unique, along with having varying compensation.

Ernest Braxton, MD, neurosurgeon at Vail (Colo.) Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, has completed the first awake spine surgery in Nepal, according to a Feb. 16 report from the VailDaily.

Dear Ms. Dyrda and Wallace,

Spine surgery is a specialty that continues to grow in ASCs, and many physicians see a bright future for the outpatient setting as minimally invasive techniques and patient demand grow.

Spine surgeons are thinking strategically about where they invest in their practices as well as outside of work. 

In wake of CMS' recently finalized physician fee schedule, which reduces overall physician pay 1.25% in 2024, reimbursements remain top of mind for physicians of all specialties.

Ehud Mendel, MD, was named the Nixdorff-German Professor of Neurosurgery at Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance in Nashville added spine surgeon Jason Smith, MD, the practice said in a Feb. 12 LinkedIn post.

Danbury (Conn.) Hospital has been awarded The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for spine care, according to a Feb. 10 report from the News Times.