Outpatient Spine

Coding for lumbar spinal fusion procedures in ASCs or outpatient centers is much different than coding for spinal fusion in the inpatient setting, according to the American Academy of Professional Coders.

Anterior cervical discectomy is among the most common hospital outpatient surgical cases that have migrated from inpatient venues, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.

Jeffrey Carlson, MD, became Virginia's first surgeon trained to use the M6-C artificial cervical disc, which provides an alternative to spinal fusion.

Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare is breaking ground on a musculoskeletal institute Oct. 4, according to Structor Group.

Here are six spine ASCs opened so far this year:

A steady decline in spinal fusions largely contributed to California's 31 percent drop in workers' compensation inpatient hospital stays, according to a new report from the California Workers' Compensation Institute.

The Less Institute — a Hollywood, Fla.-based practice offering neurosurgery, spine and orthopedic services — plans to open three offices in Arizona, according to Marketing Director Esther Rodriguez.

Republic Spine & Pain and Spicewood Surgery Center are open for business in Austin, Texas, according to construction firm Sabre Commercial.

Paramus, N.J.-based Orthopaedic and Spine Institute of New Jersey overhauled its website.

This month, four experts have spoken to Becker's Spine Review's about outpatient spine cases.