Unnecessary spine surgeries, image of an elderly patient laying on their right side on a hospital bed with a doctor standing over them and the doctor’s hands placed on the patient.

200,000 Medicare Patients Underwent $2B in Unnecessary Spine Surgeries

200,000 Medicare Patients Underwent $2B in Unnecessary Spine Surgeries

By Farhan Malik, MD
Atlanta Innovative Medicine

Recently, the Lown Institute reported a troubling analysis of Medicare claims data indicating that over 200,000 Medicare patients underwent $2 billion worth of unnecessary spine surgeries over a three-year period.  This study revealed a significant prevalence of unnecessary surgeries in the U.S., raising critical concerns about patient safety, healthcare costs, and the overall efficacy of surgical interventions.

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Key Findings from the Unnecessary Back Surgery Report: 

  • Over three years, U.S. hospitals performed over 200,000 unnecessary back surgeries on Medicare beneficiaries—one every eight minutes.
  • These procedures cost Medicare around $2 billion.
  • 3,454 physicians performed measurable numbers of low-value back surgeries, receiving $64 million from device and drug companies, highlighting financial influences on treatment decisions.
  • On average, 14% of spinal fusions and laminectomies and 11% of vertebroplasties for osteoporotic fractures were unnecessary, with hospital overuse rates ranging from 0% to over 50%.
  • Surgical overuse varies by region and hospital. For instance, over 18% of spinal fusions in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania and over 16% of vertebroplasties in Arkansas and Oklahoma are unnecessary. Cleveland Clinic reports fewer than 1% of unnecessary vertebroplasties, compared to nearly 20% at Mayo Clinic Phoenix.
  • Spinal fusion and laminectomy often fail to benefit patients, with risks like blood clots, pneumonia, and infections. “Failed back surgery syndrome,” causing no improvement in quality of life, is a major concern.

What Do the Findings of the Lown Institute’s Study Mean for Patients?

This trend of unnecessary surgeries highlights the urgent need for non-surgical alternatives and more personalized patient care. The disparities in surgical practices between hospitals and regions indicate that local medical cultures may influence these decisions more than medical necessity. This reinforces the importance of informed decision-making when considering treatment options and exploring conservative treatment approaches, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care, before considering surgery

At Atlanta Innovative Medicine (AIM), we couldn’t agree more with the Lown Institute’s conclusions, and we believe it’s time to rethink pain management strategies. With remarkable advancements in regenerative medicine, we provide viable, non-surgical options for patients to consider before opting for invasive procedures. 

This article will explore our approach to non-surgical orthopedic care as it relates to the analysis and conclusions from the Lown Institute’s study. As leaders in non-surgical care and regenerative medicine, our experienced team has successfully helped thousands of patients overcome injuries, chronic pain, and orthopedic concerns, enabling them to return to the activities they love without unnecessary surgeries. We encourage patients to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers about the necessity of surgery and to consider the alternatives available through regenerative medicine at AIM.

Unnecessary spine surgeries, image of an elderly patient sitting on the side of a hospital bed, grasping their lower back with both of their hands.

Regenerative Medicine at AIM and its Role in Avoiding Unnecessary Surgeries

For millions facing orthopedic challenges such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, and chronic back pain, surgery is often seen as the only solution. If surgery has been presented as your only option, it is always wise to seek a second opinion. Regenerative medicine, along with conservative pain management methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care—advocated by the Lown Institute—offers a promising alternative for many patients. 

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A Closer Look at Regenerative Medicine: Comparing Your Options Learn about treatment options like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Prolozone Therapy, and Stem Cell Therapy.

Regenerative medicine harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. By targeting the root causes of pain and dysfunction—specifically damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints—this approach stimulates the body’s regenerative processes. As a result, many patients experience lasting relief and improved function without the risks associated with invasive surgeries.

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At AIM, we specialize in a range of advanced, non-surgical treatments, including:

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: SC-PRP therapy involves extracting concentrated platelet-rich plasma and injecting it into areas of injury. This process activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation by delivering essential growth factors directly to the damaged tissues.
  • Prolotherapy: Prolotherapy is a natural and nonsurgical option that stimulates the body’s healing responses by injecting a safe irritant into damaged ligaments or joints. This causes mild inflammation that prompts the body’s deeper healing processes, ultimately repairing the underlying structures and alleviating pain by strengthening the weakened connections.
  • Prolozone Therapy: Prolozone therapy promotes oxygenation and enhances the body’s healing ability by injecting ozone and nutrients. The injection stimulates fibroblast activity, which is essential for repairing damaged connective tissues and joints, thereby addressing the underlying issues that cause chronic pain.
  • Stem Cell Therapy: Stem Cell Therapy involves harvesting autologous stem cells from your own body to be injected into areas of concern. Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, facilitating the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues and promoting a comprehensive healing response throughout the affected area.

Focusing on the root causes of pain and activating the body’s inherent healing processes, our regenerative treatments, complemented by other conservative therapies, enable us to create a personalized approach to pain management designed for the success and comfort of each patient. This tailored strategy has helped thousands find lasting pain relief, reclaim mobility, and enhance their quality of life.

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A Cost-Effective Solution for Patients with High-Deductibles

While regenerative medicine treatments are typically not covered by insurance, they could be a more economical choice for patients with high deductibles or those utilizing Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Medical Savings Accounts (MSA), or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). We understand the financial concerns that can come with medical treatments, and we invite you to explore our payment options. We are here to support you and are happy to answer any questions about insurance coverage, financing, or payment options.

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Conclusion

The findings from the Lown Institute regarding unnecessary spine surgeries highlight the urgent need for effective, less invasive alternatives. At AIM, we are redefining orthopedic care by prioritizing a personalized, non-surgical approach to pain management that emphasizes patient education and advocacy. We hope that, in the future, we see a significant reduction in unnecessary or unsuccessful surgeries. We encourage patients to explore regenerative medicine as a safer and often more effective option before committing to surgery.

The AIM team is here to provide second opinions for those considering spine surgery.

Schedule your free consultation today. Let’s work together to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your orthopedic concerns, paving the way for a brighter, pain-free future.

Contact us at 770.416.9995. Your journey to recovery starts here.

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