Here are five things to know:
1. St. John’s paid $100,000 to join the program combining all aspects of spine surgery. They can now also compare treatment with other programs nationwide. There are around 250 hospitals in the database and more than 100 hospitals involve spine.
2. The hospital will still include the same two physicians performing spine surgeries, but the program will triage patients differently, following new standardized protocols.
3. The program includes preoperative classes and patient coaches to prepare for surgery as well as protocols for recovery.
4. The staff that currently oversees the joint replacement program will also oversee the spine program.
5. The hospital expects to launch the program in February 2017.
More articles on spine surgery:
Dr. Michael Vitale to use NuVasive’s MAGEC system during live surgery event
Spine surges ahead into ASC sphere—An overview of added & proposed ASC payable spine codes
Spine Health Foundation awards 2016 Hope Award to Dr. Ken Smith
