Spinecare is currently delivered through many settings such as standalone practices, group practices, multidisciplinary supergroups, and as part of hospital or large healthcare systems. In the future we will see less isolated spinecare practitioners. There will be greater integration and collaboration between practitioners and facilities. The majority of successful spine physicians and specialists will join forces as part of multidisciplinary spinecare centers of excellence. Some of this will be facilitated by hospitals and large corporate healthcare systems hoping to expand their market reach. Other groups will be developed by likeminded practitioners. The integrated spinecare program/system can offer more services and allow for staff members to specialize and refine their skills which will have a positive impact on treatment outcome. This results in a group comprised of highly specialized and skilled practitioners. This attracts patients and referrals from a larger geographic area thus taking patients from less efficient and less capable practitioners and/or facilites.
Larger spinecare facilites can afford to invest in leading-edge technology and can offer staff greater opportunities and benefits. They are also able to hire more qualified ancillary staff members thus freeing up spine physicians to focus on their areas of expertise or interest. Larger facilites also have greater negotiating power with third party payers. Integrated spinecare programs provide more efficient and comprehensive spinecare. They also have the tools to objectify treatment outcome and meet the growing demands for evidence-based care from patients and/or third party payers. This successful trend has become prevalent in the fields of orthopedics and cardiology.
The future healthcare delivery system will place even greater demands on spine physicians and specialists to provide quality care, while utilizing approaches which are cost efficient and effective. The restraints of dwindling revenues and advances in spinecare technology will further drive the development of niche programs and/or centers of excellence. Spine practitioners will have to collaborate or partner with healthcare systems and facilites to insure that adequate levels of reimbursement/profit are received. Spine physicians and specialists will have to become part of delivery systems that promote accountability, savings and state-of-the-art care.
The spinecare field is rapidly evolving. The emerging trend favors the development of large multidisciplinary spinecare centers of excellence. Some large established centers will develop satellite locations which will feed into the primary location. The international community is becoming more educated about the difference in the level of care between facilites not only within their own region or country but abroad. With the ability to access information about facilites anywhere in the world the public is more willing and able to travel to receive optimum spinecare. This trend will have an adverse impact on small spinecare centers and communities that do not have integrated centers of excellence.
In the multidisciplinary spinecare setting, well-defined clinical algorithms and guidelines will be used to deliver more standardized care. Improved documentation and objective outcome measures will be used to support treatment decisions. A practice continuum will be implemented to prioritize the most conservative treatment options. Failure at a conservative level of care will be required prior to advancing to the next more aggressive treatment option. The ultimate goal will be to offer the most conservative level of care for the greatest gain. Heathcare disciplines will be integrated in a manner that facilitates a seamless continuum of cost efficient spinecare. The multi-disciplinary approach will ensure a comprehensive approach and lead to high patient satisfaction.
Next: The Future of Diagnostic Imaging of the Spine
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
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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 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.
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.
