Here is an excerpt from the podcast. Click here to download the full episode.
Question: How do you see spine and ASCs changing in the next three years?
Dr. Kenneth Nwosu: I see endoscopic spine surgery becoming the standard of care for spinal decompression. We will be able to perform a decompressive surgery through an incision less than 1 centimeter safely and as effectively as open spine surgery. It’s a no-brainer. In my perspective, I see that being a standard of care for most providers and I think that will be the expectation by payers and patients as well.
Secondarily, I see most spinal surgeries including complex fusion moving to the ambulatory surgery center. I would say the rate limiting step to transitioning all spine care would be those patients who are severely ill and those who have significant comorbidities like a significant cardiac history or a history of high opioid use.
Lastly, as a result of all this spine care volume being transitioned to the ASC, I continue to foresee emerging spinal technologies like robotics and augmented reality becoming available in the ASC as well.
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