Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/170082
Spine Device & Technology 39 Spine Technology Coverage Post Healthcare Reform: Q&A With Dr. Gunnar Andersson of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush By Laura Miller S pine Surgery has rapidly advanced over the past few decades to include many new minimally invasive devices and procedures, revolutionizing the field. However, not all advances have been reimbursed by insurance companies, and device companies find continued challenges in bringing new ideas to the market. Gunnar Andersson, MD, chairman emeritus of the department of orthopedic surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, is a Board Member of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery and is vice chair of its patient advocacy group, International Advocates for Spine Patients. He discusses the primary issues facing new innovation to gain clearance from the Food and Drug Administration and reimbursement from insurance companies, post healthcare reform. Q: Where does the relationship between spine surgeons and the device industry stand today? Dr. Gunnar Andersson Dr. Gunnar Andersson: The relationship between the industry and the physician community has been under considerable scrutiny in recent years. In fact, many of the companies have paid large penalties and accepted review from independent representatives of the government although they haven't agreed they did anything illegal. This happened widely in the joint industry, but the spine industry hasn't been spared. I think all parties agree that relationships between surgeons and device companies are important because physicians are the ones who identify problems and weaknesses and oppor- 3025 Spine Review Ad final_Layout 1 3/14/13 3:46 PM Page 1 "The Next Generation in Spinal Implant Technologies" Precision Spine™ brings a design driven focus to developing specialized surgical systems that address the unique challenges of spine procedures. The next generation implants and minimally invasive instruments are designed to provide greater efficiency of application and enhanced patient outcomes. NEW from Precision Spine: The ReForm™ Pedicle Screw System utilizes its advanced design Cobalt Chrome tulip head and triple lead thread pattern screw to promote improved strength and faster screw insertion time versus standard designs. These unique features may contribute to shorter operative times, less surgeon fatigue, and most importantly, better patient outcomes as a result. The Mini-Max™ Minimally Invasive Access System represents a true advancement in Minimally Invasive approaches to spine surgery versus currently accepted approaches. By combining familiar muscle sparing techniques for access with the system's intuitive instrument design features, achievable results can replicate and may exceed that of the "Gold Standard", the open procedure. Mini-Max, ReForm and Spinal USA are trademarks of Precision Spine, Inc. 3025 Copyright ©2013 Precision Spine, Inc. All rights reserved. Precision Spine, Inc. 5 Sylvan Way, Suite 220, Parsippany, NJ 07054 www.precisionspineinc.com