OIG issued findings on spine device physician-owned distributorships.
The Office of the Inspector General released a new report on physician-owned distributorships related to spine surgery devices, and found a rise in physician-owned distributorships played a part in the increasing costs. The report also contended that the POD devices were not cheaper than devices from other companies, and in the case of spinal plates it was significantly higher.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Monica Wehby announced candidacy for U.S. Senate.
Monica C. Wehby, MD, a neurosurgeon based in Portland, Ore., announced she would resign her post on the American Association of Neurological Surgeons board of directors to run for the United States Senate. She is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland and previously served as president of the Oregon Medical Association and Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland.
Hospital for Special Surgery physicians developed patient expectations survey for lumbar spine surgery.
Carol A. Mancuso, MD, and his colleagues from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, developed a patient-derived survey to record patient expectations of lumbar spine surgery. The survey generates an overall score that is easy to calculate and to interpret, and thereby provides a comprehensive way to record patient expectations of lumbar spine surgery.
LDR Holding presented data supporting Mobi-C Cervical Disc Replacement as ACDF alternative.
LDR Holding released 48-month safety and efficacy data for both one- and two-level uses of its Mobi-C cervical disc replacement compared to a traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The study showed lower reoperation rates for the Mobi-C and better mean neck disability improvement through four years.
Alphatec Holdings to collaborate with spine surgeon group.
Alphatec Holdings has entered into a three-year collaborative agreement with a spine surgeon group to develop future products and innovation. Alphatec will pay the surgeon group $8 million over three annual payments of common stock and will gain exclusive rights to the use of all intellectual property developed by the surgeon group.
Spine surgeon Dr. William Barrick penned editorial on ACA.
William Barrick, MD, co-director of spine surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in New York and president of the Dutchess County Medical Society, recently penned an editorial in the Poughkeepsie Journal about the impact of healthcare reform. In the editorial, he covered health insurance exchanges and coverage for basic, preventative services, which he said are potential benefits of the legislation. He also addressed potential problems, which include lower payments to providers and limited patient choice.
The Christ Hospital completed joint and spine center.
Cincinnati-based The Christ Hospital Health Network has completed the construction of The Christ Hospital Joint and Spine Center. The Joint and Spine Center is part of the campus expansion, and will open in summer 2015.
Independent study bolstered use of Kiva VCF Treatment System.
An independent study looked at the Kiva VCF Treatment System by Benvenue Medical in comparison to the balloon kyphoplasty and found fewer new fractures and half the cement used than the balloon kyphoplasty.
More Articles on Spine:
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Laminoplasty Costs $19k Less Than Laminectomy & Fusion
Victory Medical Center Landmark Names Dr. Karl Swann Medical Director
Hospital for Special Surgery Physicians Develop Patient Expectations Survey for Lumbar Spine Surgery
