How Often Should Spine Surgeons Renegotiate Vendor Contracts?

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care.

Dr. Steven Lee of Golden State Orthopedic Specialists response:

At one of our hospitals, a few surgeons (including myself) and hospital administrators have collaborated to form an “Orthopedic Surgery Technology Committee.” We meet on a monthly basis to evaluate and discuss new technology, evidence-based guidelines, surgeon’ preferences, and fair pricing for various implants. Major contract restructuring for general orthopedic and spinal implants have been undertaken in the past two years. In my recollection, this has been the first overhaul of implant pricing with distributors/manufacturers. Some of the main goals of the committee: to be good financial stewards of our resources (big picture: healthcare cost containment); critically evaluate new technology; make available the best new technology for the benefit of our patients.

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