The challenge with value-
based care for orthopedic
surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons face a unique
challenge in the transition to value-based
care as a procedure-driven specialty, one
industry leader says.
Building a spine practice
in the 'outcomes
economy': Q&A with
Dr. Alok Sharan
Alok Sharan, MD, in October left NJ
Spine and Wellness in East Brunswick,
N.J., and established his own practice,
Spine and Performance Institute.
continued on page 10
continued on page 21
continued on page 5
Aetna settles 239-person
class suit over spine surgery
coverage
Aetna Life Insurance reached a settlement to resolve a
239-person class action lawsuit over its coverage of lumbar
artificial disc replacements.
60+
STORIES INSIDE
How the spinal tech 'game of musical chairs' will drive the direction of the industry p. 18
2 0 T H A N N U A L
Spine, Orthopedic &
Pain Management-Driven
ASC Conference
June 15-17, 2023 | Swissotel Chicago
SAVE THE DATE
IN THIS ISSUE:
Proposed wRVUs for 9
spine procedures p. 5
Safety grades at 10 of
the best US hospitals
for orthopedics p. 23
10 orthopedic
surgeons join Crystal
Clinic p. 22
CMS adds 4 new ASC
covered procedures
p. 32
January 2023 • Vol. 2023 No. 1
