AcuityMD Presents New Outpatient Spinal Surgery Data at American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting

**Abstract:** At the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) 2025 Annual Meeting in Boston, AcuityMD, a leading intelligence platform for medical technology, unveiled new data highlighting the significant rise in outpatient spinal surgeries conducted in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). The data, which spans from 2021 to 2024, indicates a steady year-over-year increase of nearly 8% in the share of spinal surgeries performed in ASCs. This trend is driven by a multitude of benefits for patients, payers, and healthcare providers, including cost savings, improved patient satisfaction, and enhanced operational efficiency. **Key Events:** - **Presentation of Data:** AcuityMD presented its latest findings on the increasing trend of outpatient spinal surgeries performed in ASCs at the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting. - **Annual Meeting:** The 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) took place in Boston, a prominent event in the orthopedic surgery community. - **Data Timeframe:** The data analyzed covers the period from 2021 to 2024, showing a consistent increase in the number of spinal surgeries conducted in ASCs. **Key People:** - **AcuityMD Team:** The research and presentation were conducted by the AcuityMD team, an intelligence platform that provides data and insights to the medical technology industry. **Key Locations:** - **Boston, Massachusetts:** The location of the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting where AcuityMD presented its findings. **Key Time Elements:** - **2021-2024:** The years during which the data was collected, showing a nearly 8% annual increase in spinal surgeries in ASCs. - **2025:** The year in which the data was presented at the AAOS Annual Meeting. **Summary of Findings:** The data presented by AcuityMD at the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting reveals a significant shift in the landscape of spinal surgery, with a growing preference for ambulatory surgery centers over traditional hospital settings. This trend is supported by several key factors: - **Cost Efficiency:** ASCs are notably less expensive, with costs being 45-60% lower than those incurred in hospital settings. This cost reduction is a major driver for both payers and providers, as it can lead to substantial savings in healthcare expenditures. - **Patient Satisfaction:** Patients undergoing spinal surgeries in ASCs often report higher satisfaction levels due to the convenience, shorter wait times, and more personalized care typically associated with these centers. - **Operational Benefits:** For healthcare providers, ASCs offer a more streamlined and efficient operating environment. The reduced complexity and lower overhead costs allow for quicker turnaround times and the ability to handle more cases within the same timeframe. **Implications:** The increasing trend of outpatient spinal surgeries in ASCs suggests a broader shift towards more cost-effective and patient-centered care models in the orthopedic surgery field. This change could have significant implications for the healthcare industry, potentially leading to: - **Healthcare Cost Reduction:** As more spinal surgeries are performed in ASCs, the overall cost of care for these procedures may decrease, benefiting both patients and payers. - **Improved Access to Care:** With shorter wait times and more flexible scheduling, patients may have better access to the surgical interventions they need, potentially improving health outcomes. - **Innovation in Surgical Practices:** The shift to ASCs may also encourage innovations in surgical techniques and post-operative care, as these centers often adopt the latest technologies and practices to maintain their competitive edge. **Conclusion:** The presentation by AcuityMD at the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting underscores the growing importance of ambulatory surgery centers in the realm of spinal surgery. The data not only highlights the financial and operational advantages but also emphasizes the positive impact on patient satisfaction and access to care. As the trend continues, it is likely to influence the future direction of orthopedic surgery, promoting more efficient and patient-friendly healthcare solutions.