ISA and Internet Use Facts

The pursuit of healthcare information takes place within an expanding network of online and offline sources. The Internet will ever increasing impact on spinecare. It empowers patients and their families to learn more about spine disorders and available care. Some time ago most patients relied on the opinion of one physician and a few obtained a second opinion. Today the average patient can go to the internet and access vast amounts of information on their area of interest. In many cases they will obtain more information about their specific disorder than was given to them by their attending physicians. The informed patient is better prepared to discuss their situation with their attending specialist. The public is also turning to the internet to search for specialists and to learn more about them. To help meet these demands the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) and International Spine Association (ISA) have partnered to develop the International Directory of Spinecare Specialists which provides helpful online search functions. The user can access both professional and facility profiles.  

The patient who has access to relevant information on the internet will have a better understanding of their spine disorder, treatment alternatives, and the treatments available. They can also access statistical probabilities of success with different treatment approaches. More and more physicians and healthcare providers are directing their patients to reliable online sources. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) encourages its members to use available spinecare information script pads to direct their patients to an online database managed by the International Spine Association (ISA).

Many people use the internet as a tool to forward information and resources to family members and friends. This is made possible with social networking technology offered by various groups such as Twitter, Facebook, and My Space, just to mention a few. Pew Internet surveys have revealed that technology is not an end, but a means to accelerate the pace of discovery, widen social networks, and sharpen the questions someone might ask when they do get to talk to a health professional. Available social networking technology helps facilitate information networking and the internet is turning up the volume on "need-to-know" information.

The Pew Internet and Life Project estimates that as many as fifty-two million American adults, or 55% of those with Internet access, have used the Web to get health or medical information. This number is likely much higher. Many of these people access the internet to acquire information on behalf of family and friends. Even those in good health will "surf the web" to obtain information to pass on to someone else who does not have the skills or technology to acquire the information online. There is a wealth of information online, and the use of the internet to access spinecare related information is not an exception.

  

Inform a Colleague

Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.

The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to

The AASP eNewsletter features include: 1. Advances in Spinecare 2. Continuing Education Opportunities 3. Members in the News 4. Spine-Related Research 5. Member Services 6. Internet Technology News 7. Practice Development Opportunities 8. Emerging Technology 9. Social Networking Trends

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Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($250)

Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)

Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)

Membership Renewal

Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.

Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.

Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.

American Academy of Spine Physicians Submit communication below: First Name: Last Name: Phone Number: Email: Website: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Interest: Request Call from Member Services Speaking Request Continuing Education Reasons to Join Billing Inquiry Department: Member Services Missions Department Technical Support Comments: AASP Membership Office Address: 1795 Grandstand Place City: Elgin State: Illinois Zip Code: 60123-4980 Telephone: (847) 697-4660 Fax: (847) 931-7975 Email: [email protected]