Interventional Radiologists Usurping Spine Surgeons?
A report from the Millennium Research Group (MRG), a market research group in Massachusetts, indicates that an increasing number of kyphoplasty procedures are being completed by interventional radiologists (IR), as described in a press release from the agency. Previously these procedures were most often completed by surgeons that specialize in the treatment of spinal disorders.
MRG operates a database, the U.S. Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) Treatment Marketrack, that collects data from facilities that perform services to treat such across the country. Both radiology and spine facilities are surveyed with this program.
Data from the first two quarters of 2007 reveals that almost 47 percent of kyphoplasty procedures were undertaken at IR facilities. Notably, the average number of these procedures completed at the radiology facilities increased to 12 in the second quarter of the year from 9 during the fist quarter.
The team of analysts from MRG noted that this change in practice patterns may be a reflection of changes to reimbursement rates resulting from passage of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The legislation, which altered reimbursement levels beginning in 2007, decreased the rate of reimbursement for a number of procedures commonly completed by interventional radiologists. MRG analysts argue that the increased completion of kyphoplasty in the IR setting is a, attempt to capture revenue lost by the cuts.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure employed to treat patients with VCF. The vertebral body that sustained injury is accessed, nonsurgically, through placement of needles and injected with cement.
Related story: System for Vertebral Compression
August 29, 2007 Related topics: Finance, Trends, Surgery, Orthopedic, Materials Management