Influence of the American Academy of Spine Physicians
The prevalence of spine-related disorders has grown to epidemic proportions with back pain becoming one of the most common reasons for seeing a physician. The direct and indirect costs of back care are having a profound impact on many societies including the United States (US). Approximately 80% of the U.S. population will experience a back problem at some time during their lives. Most people go to the internet to search for on health-related subjects including back pain and spinecare. Most people also go the internet to look for a healthcare provider and to research their choices.
Consumers are influenced less by traditional marketing approaches and are looking to national organizations and to the internet for information about their spine disorder(s), spine health, and to learn more about products which can be used to improve the health of their spine. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), like the American Heart Association (AHA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is in a position of influence, and therefore, assumes the responsibility to educate the public and members of the healthcare profession about spinecare related topics. This is a monumental task and to be performed well requires the integrated efforts of professionals, educational institutions, and corporate partners.
The AASP frequently receives requests from consumers, the media, physicians, as well as other healthcare professionals for product recommendations. The AASP is also frequently cited for its perspectives on lifestyle issues related to spinehealth which reaches many households. AASP endorsements and recommendations have been developed to help individuals make good choices.
The AASP has implemented effective strategies to help Corporate Educational Partners and Educational Sponsors reach healthcare professionals, patients and the public. One of the methods utilizes advanced internet communication technology to link healthcare websites to AASP and ISA databases. This offers a simple click on pass through to “need-to-know� information organized in a multimedia format. Members of the AASP and their patients can access and download facts sheets, brochures, and lists of products directly from this database. The public can directly access the ISA for information about the spinecare, spine disorders, and available spinecare.
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.