Spine

Prior authorization is a contentious issue in spine care at the moment. Beginning July 1, CMS will require the policy for cervical fusion with disc removal and implanted spinal neurostimulators, which physicians say will further limit access to care.

A study published in a recent issue of the International Journal of Spine Surgery found the work relative value units assigned to open decompression and interlaminar stabilization are undervalued.

Gray Wesley Barrow, MD, was sentenced April 15 to prison for his role in a healthcare kickbacks scheme, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

From prior authorization requirements to value-based care initiatives and payer battles, nine spine leaders discuss the biggest challenges affecting their practice today.

The North American Spine Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons both kicked off 2021 with key developments from leadership changes and recognitions.

Orthopedic surgeon Matt Hollenbeck, MD, has performed Kansas' first successful vertebral body tethering procedure at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, NBC affiliate KSN.com reported April 13.

Sonia Eden, MD, has been appointed head of adult neurosurgery at Detroit Medical Center, the first Black woman to hold the role, and second to lead a U.S. hospital neurosurgery program, Commercial Appeal reported April 8.

Medical device companies and surgeons are banding together to ask CMS to roll back new prior authorization requirements set to go into effect July 1.

Florida health officials have ordered a spine surgeon to take additional courses and pay a fine after performing disc replacement surgery on the wrong part of a patient's spine, the Miami Herald reports.

Forbes' 35th annual list of the world's richest people in 2021 includes Gary Michelson, MD, a retired spine surgeon with a net worth of $1.7 billion.