A recent study presented at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in Boston showed that 1 & 2 level neck fusions can be performed as safely and cheaper than the same surgery performed at a hospital. Matthew J McGirt, MD presented the findings at the annual CNS meeting and along with his co-investigator also received The Samuel Hassenbusch Young Neurosurgeon Award at the meeting for the research.
The study compared two groups of patients who underwent 1 and 2 level anterior neck surgeries (ACD&F) at an ASC vs a hospital. They found the complication rates, return to work rates and outcomes at 3 months were equal. More importantly, the surgeries performed at an ASC were on average $7,000 cheaper. “This is a cost saving advancement in ACD&F surgery. From a patient, payer, purchaser, and societal perspective, the ASC setting offers superior value and can lead to cost savings of over $7,000 per patient.” adds Dr McGirt.
Las Cruces Orthopedic Associates (LCOA) and Las Cruces Surgical Center (LCSC) have been performing outpatient anterior neck surgery since 2009. Our goal has always been to provide the most efficient and cost effective care possible. This important paper adds more evidence to the effectiveness of outpatient, ASC based surgical care.
Paul Saiz, MD
