Research has demonstrated that the majority of patients go to publications and the internet to learn more about their health and their diagnosis. This includes topics such as neck pain, back pain, and specific spine disorders. This is a growing trend and one that will continue to influence the practice of medicine including the practice of spinecare. Many healthcare professionals use topic specific brochures and direct their patients to accurate information online.
The American Academy of Spine Physicians AASP develops publications which cover "need-to-know" topics for use with patients. Published formats include brochures, e-books, fact sheets, spine information script forms, and web documents. Many publications can be downloaded directly from the AASP website to a printer or to another medium like a CD or jump drive.
The AASP offers a series of brochures which collectively address a broad spectrum of spine and related topics. Some of these publications are available free to all healthcare professionals. Each AASP publication emphasizes a conservative and cooperative approach to spinecare. Brochures are available to help members promote their role in spinecare and to help develop referral relationships with other healthcare professionals. The AASP has educational resources which are limited to use by active member.
All healthcare professionals also have access to an online spine information script form/pad which can be downloaded and used to help direct their patients to accurate information online. The script form includes a list of common spine disorders as well as other topics with a check box next to each. The attending healthcare professional should mark the box of the relevant topic and provide the script to their patient. The script is to be used by the patient to direct them to the online Public Information Center (PIC) of the International Spine Association (ISA). The PIC represents a multimedia database of "need-to-know" information about the spine, spine disorders, and available spinecare.
The content of the PIC is managed by the International Spine Association (ISA). The AASP is one of the content providers for the ISA. The spine information prescription forms/pads can be used to:
- direct patients to accurate information about their spine disorder - improve patient compliance with treatment - encourage patient self-care and preventive habits
Download Information Script Pad
Inform a Colleague
Expand and Educate Your Spinecare Network
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
**Edit and/or add text where appropriate** (Inform one or more colleagues)
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Join / Renew
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.