Defining the Role of Physiatry in the Future of Spine Care: New Data, a New Model, and Making the Case for Value-Defining the Role of Physiatry in the Future of Spine Care: New Data, a New Model, and Making the Case for Value

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Dr. Chris Standard from the University of Pittsburgh discussed the cost of spine care and the need for value-based spine care. He presented data on healthcare expenditure comparing the United States to other countries and highlighted the issue of waste in the healthcare system. He also discussed the unsustainable growth in spending and the need for a shift to value-based care. Dr. Standard emphasized the importance of coordinated care delivery systems, evidence-based care, and shifting the risk from payers to providers. He presented a study comparing the costs of physiatrists and surgeons in the treatment of low back disorders. The study showed that total Medicare expenditures and spine-specific spending were lower for physiatrists compared to surgeons. Dr. Standard concluded by discussing the implications of the study and the need for physiatry to focus on value and define its role in the value-based spine care world.<br />Dr. Stuart Glassman from Dartmouth and Tufts University School of Medicine discussed the development of an AAPM&R low back pain model of care. He explained the need for value-based care and the challenges of containing costs in healthcare. Dr. Glassman proposed a model where physiatrists work closely with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for low back pain patients. He highlighted the importance of educating primary care providers about the role of physiatry and the value they can bring to spine care. Dr. Glassman also discussed different payment models and emphasized the benefits of bundle payments for spine care. He advised physiatrists to prove their relevance and proceed with caution in the changing healthcare landscape.<br />Dr. Santos Thomas from the Cleveland Clinic discussed the role of interventional spine care in a value-based world. He highlighted the need for physiatrists to focus on value and cost-effective care. Dr. Thomas discussed the challenges of containing costs in spine care and emphasized the importance of personalized medicine and patient-centered care. He advised physiatrists to avoid unnecessary procedures and to focus on education and conservative treatments. Dr. Thomas also discussed the potential impact of different administrations on healthcare and the need for physicians to advocate for their patients and effective healthcare solutions.<br />Overall, the speakers emphasized the need for physiatry to adapt to a value-based model of care and to focus on providing high-value, cost-effective spine care to patients. They discussed the challenges and opportunities in the current healthcare landscape and provided guidance on how physiatrists can navigate this changing landscape to improve patient outcomes and contain costs.

Keywords

cost of spine care

value-based spine care

healthcare expenditure

coordinated care delivery systems

physiatrists vs. surgeons

low back disorders

AAPM&R low back pain model

bundle payments

interventional spine care

patient-centered care