Multidisciplinary spinecare will lead to greater application of conservative treatment measures and biological solutions. This will play a particularly important role in the treatment of spine disorders associated with aging and related degenerative changes. The term biological solutions refer to the use of the body's natural physiological processes and innate ability to recover. The approach encompasses a broad spectrum ranging from biochemical manipulation with clinical nutrition to surgical implantation of grafted tissue, biological tissue scaffolding or other supportive materials.
In the near future the list of biological solutions will include proteonomic and genomic intervention. Surgery will be used to deliver materials and products which can be implanted to synergistically work with or to replace diseased or degenerated tissues of the spine. Predictive multidimensional imaging reformatting and reconstruction will be used to predict how the treated area of the spine will look and function. The use of biologic material during spine surgery will represent one of the most exciting developments in future spinecare.
A Few Future Predictions
- Development of larger more integrated spinecare groups - Expanded screening services - Better reimbursement for larger groups who can leverage contract negotiations - Greater public reliance on the internet to research treatment options and to locate professionals and facilities - Greater willingness for the public to travel to obtain the best spinecare - Advances in the implementation of telemedicine - Greater use of physician assistants of various types - Expanded large facility marketing and networking - Full body spine imaging - Use of integrated structural and molecular imaging - Greater reliance on networking resources of national organizations - Trending towards biological solutions
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.