Here are seven things for spine surgeons to know for Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013.
CMS final rule slashes physician pay 20.1% for 2014.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the final physician payment rule for next year, slashing physician reimbursement 20.1 percent. The revised final rule would reduce physician payment for Medicare patients based on the sustainable growth rate formula. Every year since 2003, Congress overrode the SGR so physicians would not see sizable cuts; however, unless Congress takes action, physicians will see these cuts in 2014.
AAOS named Dr. William Shaffer medical director.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons selected spine surgeon William O. Shaffer, MD, as its new medical director. Dr. Shaffer succeeds William R. Martin, MD.
Dr. George Martin completed 100th spine surgery with Renaissance system.
Mazor Robotics announced that George Martin, MD, performed his 100th minimally invasive spine surgery using Mazor Robotics Renaissance Guidance System at Foundation Surgical Hospital of El Paso (Texas).
Dr. Robert Watkins performed spine surgery on St. Louis Ram Brady Quinn.
Robert Watkins III, MD, performed microscopic lumbar discectomy surgery on St. Louis Rams' quarterback Brady Quinn at Marina Del Rey (Calif.) Hospital on Nov. 26.
NuVasive named one of nation's fastest-growing tech companies.
San Diego-based NuVasive was named one of the fastest growing companies by Deloitte's Technology Fast 500. NuVasive's annual revenue grew 25 percent from 2008 to 2012.
Aurora Spine's ZIP fusion system received FDA 510(k) clearance.
Aurora Spine has been granted FDA 510(k) clearance for its ZIP minimally invasive interspinous fusion system. The ZIP system was designed to be a pedicle screw alternative.
17% of physician practices may need to hire new staff.
Most — around 67 percent — of physician practices don't plan to make any changes to their office staff in the coming year, according to a Medscape. Only around 17 percent of respondents plan to add staff and 9 percent plan to cut staff. The remaining 7 percent said they would both add and cut positions on their staff.
More Articles on Spine Surgeons:
A New Generation of Spine Surgeons: How Minimally Invasive Techniques Impact Training
Cervical Spinal Fusion for Trauma: 5 Outcomes & Cost Differences for Weekend Admits
Dr. Charles Mick: Surviving the New Healthcare Paradigm in Spine