Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for May 8, 2014.
NASS releases evidence-based coverage policy recommendation for spine care
The North American Spine Society created evidence-based coverage policy recommendations for spine care treatments, procedures and diagnostics. The NASS Coverage Task Force developed the recommendations for payers, patients and spine care providers on several topics, and there are 13 procedures covered in the initial recommendations.
NuVasive settles with Cadwell Laboratories
NuVasive has reached a favorable settlement agreement with Cadwell Laboratories in a lawsuit involving NuVasive's patented neuromonitoring technology. As part of the settlement agreement, Cadwell will exit the lateral spine surgery market, and no longer provide products, services or support for lateral approach spine fusion surgeries.
Dr. Seth Neubardt partners with software company for cervical spine surgery pilot
Seth Neubardt, MD, and software company ARCHES launched a pilot to help patients with cervical spine issues determine whether they are good candidates for surgery. The multi-channel pilot leverages the web, SEM, video and CRM strategies combined with Dr. Neubardt's three-part Risk Indicator survey for patients with herniated disc symptoms.
Medtronic to pay $22 million Infuse settlement
Under the terms of the agreement, Medtronic, subject to certain conditions, will resolve the claims of an estimated 950 claimants related to its Infuse Bone Graft for a total payment of approximately $22 million.
Spine societies respond to FDA guidance for industry distribution of scientific, medical publications
The FDA recently released "Guidance for Industry: Distributing Scientific and Medical Publications on Unapproved New Uses — Recommended Practices" and spine societies signed a letter to the FDA outlining recommended practices for distributing scientific and medical publications on unapproved new uses for medical devices. They also expressed concern regarding the guidance.
Mazor Robotics Q1 revenues reach $4.87 million
The company also announced that net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders was $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2014, down from net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of $10.6 million in Q1 of 2013. It ended the quarter with a clinical installed base of 37 Renaissance systems in the United States and 68 systems globally.
ISASS names Dr. Gunnar Andersson president
Dr. Andersson is a professor and chairman emeritus of the department of orthopedic surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Over the course of his career he has earned several awards, including the ISSLS Stryker Spine Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine and Trustee Medal from Rush University Medical Center.
Health insurers indicate that most exchange enrollees have paid first premiums
Several health insurers have indicated about 80 percent of people who signed up for health plans through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act exchanges have paid their first premiums. People must make their first premium payment in order to complete the enrollment process and have their coverage take effect. According to HHS, just over 8 million people have signed up for health plans through the exchanges.
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