Description
This session centers on the critical evolution of spine care from traditional fee-for-service models toward value-based frameworks (Value = Outcomes/Cost). As musculoskeletal spine disorders continue to drive significant healthcare utilization and disability in the U.S., PM&R physicians are uniquely positioned to lead. Our objective is to bridge the gap between increasing procedural intensity and patient-centered results by leveraging the biopsychosocial model and longitudinal functional expertise. We will explore the strategic importance of episode-based care design and the integration of both procedural and non-procedural pathways to optimize societal and clinical outcomes. The format of this session is designed to be a collaborative strategic forum, moving beyond high-level theory into practical implementation. We will examine the mechanics of risk-sharing, benchmarking of patient-reported outcome metrics, and the identification of common pitfalls like metric gaming or over-medicalization. Whether you are in academic leadership or private practice, this session serves as a catalyst for AAPM&R leadership, providing a shared conceptual foundation and actionable steps to implement value-based strategies within your own spine population health programs.
Learning Objectives
After completing this live activity, the participant should be able to:
- Define value in spine care using health economics and outcomes frameworks (value = outcomes meaningful to patients per total cost of care).
- Distinguish fee-for-service vs value-based payment models relevant to spine care.
- Identify key outcome metrics (clinical, functional, patient-reported, cost, utilization).
- Describe opportunities for PM&R to lead spine episodes of care.
- Recognize pitfalls (over-medicalization, risk selection bias, metric gaming).
Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME Credit Designation
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) designates this live activityfor a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
In accordance with ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, AAPM&R requires all individuals who are in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible company within the last 24 months. The ACCME defines an “ineligible company” as any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Disclosures are made in written form prior to the start of the educational activity, and any potential conflicts of interest that exist are mitigated prior to the start of the activity through AAPM&R’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Resolution Policy Process. Individuals in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control content and their disclosed financial relationships are listed below.
No other planners, faculty, or individuals in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships.
Principle Faculty
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship;
Zachary Carter MD, FAAPMR - Nothing to Disclose
James Eubanks MD, MS, FAAPMR - Nothing to Disclose
AAPM&R Medical Education Committee
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship
Rachel Brakke Holman, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Sarah M. Eickmeyer, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Chelsea D. Frost, MD, MS - Nothing to Disclose
David J. Haustein, MBA,MD,MBA - Relationships to Disclose
Sarah K. Hwang, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Ravi E. Kasi, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Caroline Pupke, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Monica E. Rho, MD - Nothing to Disclose
McCasey R. Smith, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Jennifer A. Soo Hoo, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Brionn K. Tonkin, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Stephanie Tow, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Justin L. Weppner, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Alexandra G. Wolfe, DO - Nothing to Disclose
FDA Disclosures
All faculty members for this activity have disclosed they do not intend to discuss or demonstrate any pharmaceutical or medical device for which FDA clearance has not been approved.