Lessons from Spine Surgery Complication: Transparency and Trust

Complex Foot Surgery Case: Lessons from PTTD & Reconstruction In response to a LinkedIn post about a fun case of complex foot reconstruction, we wanted to share a story that highlights both the surgical reasoning and the diverse perspectives it inspired. The case involved a 60-year-old patient with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, torn spring ligament, pes planus in the transverse plane, medial column supinatus with TMT instability, and recurrent hallux valgus with arthritis. The chosen approach? Medial double fusion First TMT fusion Great toe fusion After the case was shared, the discussion lit up. Some wondered whether sparing the subtalar joint might have been a viable choice, especially if BMI wasn’t a big factor. Others suggested alternatives like a medial calcaneal slide, ligament repair with tendon transfer, or even adding a Cotton procedure depending on the clinical presentation. What stood out was how one case sparked so many valuable perspectives. It wasn’t about one “right” answer it was about the thought process, clinical judgment, and tailoring solutions to the individual patient. At Staffingly Inc., we believe the same principle applies outside the OR. Just as surgeons weigh different approaches to achieve the best outcome, healthcare organizations can choose smarter staffing solutions to achieve balance, efficiency, and better results. With Virtual Medical Assistants, hospitals and practices save up to 70% on staffing costs while focusing more on patient outcomes than paperwork. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 For informational purposes only; not applicable to specific situations. For tailored support and professional services, please contact Staffingly, Inc. at (800) 489-5877 Email : support@staffingly.com. #priorauthorization #staffingly #outsourcing #healthcare #healthcareoutsourcing

Managing Vertebral Artery Injuries in Spine Surgery | Lessons & Smarter Healthcare with Staffingly In response to a LinkedIn post about a vertebral artery injury during cervical spine surgery, we wanted to share a story that captures both the challenge and the teamwork behind such moments. A patient in their late 50s came in with post-infectious cervical deformity and myelopathy. The surgical plan was complex—posterior-anterior-posterior reconstruction. The first stage went smoothly, but during the anterior approach, an inadvertent vertebral artery injury occurred. Here’s where the real test began. The surgical team immediately gained control of the bleed using pressure and hemostatic agents—while remembering not to inject agents like Floseal or Surgiflo, which can embolize to the brain. Anesthesia was alerted, blood was called for urgently, and neuro-monitoring was maintained to ensure spinal cord safety. Some readers of that post raised key questions—how often do these complications occur, how much blood is typically needed, and how quickly should transfer to angiography be arranged? The case answered it clearly: coordination is everything. Once stabilized, the patient was rushed to the angio suite for coiling and later completed her reconstruction successfully. The patient is now home, recovering well—a powerful reminder that while complications are inevitable, the right system, teamwork, and resources can turn a crisis into a success. At Staffingly Inc., we believe the same applies beyond the operating room. Just as surgeons rely on coordinated support, healthcare organizations thrive when the right systems are in place. With Virtual Medical Assistants, practices save up to 70% on staffing costs, while ensuring precision, efficiency, and better patient care. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 For informational purposes only; not applicable to specific situations. For tailored support and professional services, please contact Staffingly, Inc. at (800) 489-5877 Email : support@staffingly.com. #priorauthorization #staffingly #outsourcing #healthcare #healthcareoutsourcing #spinesurgerysuccess #VertebralArteryInjury #healthcarestaffing #medical y #virtualassistantservice

Healthcare Price - Quality Disconnect. Do Higher Prices Mean Higher Quality? No! Here's Why. Price and Quality are NOT Correlated in Healthcare. Here Are 3 Examples That Explain Why: 1) Let's Say the Facility Allowed Amount for a Surgery at a Hospital (e.g. arthroscopic knee surgery or hernia repair) is $16,000. That Same Surgery with the Same Surgeon Would Have a Facility Allowed Amount of Only $4,000 at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Price Not Related to Quality. 2) Let's Say a Hospital Outpatient Surgery (e.g. gallbladder removal) Has a Facility Allowed Amount of $28,000. That Same Surgery at the Same Hospital with the Same Surgeon Would Have a Facility Allowed Amount of Only $2,500 if the Patient Says Overnight and the Surgery is Considered Inpatient. Price Not Related to Quality. 3) A Study by Dr. Atul Gawande Found that Hospitals Make More Money Off of Surgery for Commercially Insured Patients AND Have a Higher Profit Margin If There are Complications. The Price Goes Up as the Quality Goes Down. Note: Atul Gawande is no longer the head of Haven... the Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, JP Morgan Chase Joint Venture... and Haven has been wound down and no longer exists. Sources at AHealthcareZ YouTube Channel. #Healthcare #HealthcareQuality

Important points to understand for anyone managing a group health plan. Having a mechanism to account for these discrepancies is a critical component of active plan management.

The same holds true with medications. More expensive doesn't mean they work more effectively or have better outcomes. The pharma and life sciences market access conversation needs to shift to paying for outcomes with specialty therapies. It defies common sense to pay the same amount for something that works for one person and does nothing positive for another person. Our current system promotes in medication the exact opposite of what lemon laws in automotive sales has achieved in terms of consumer protection.

A higher price does not necessarily mean higher quality in the current healthcare system. Patients are often unaware of the drivers of costs. Cost does not reflect the quality of care or the experience level of the provider; it is determined by the location, the insurer, and the contracted rate.

Such an important topic by Dr. Bricker today. The price of care can vary significantly, yet it has zero correlation to quality or outcomes. On the heels of so many reports of continued healthcare cost increases YoY, (for employers and employees) that plan sponsors must navigate, this highlights the continuous need for transparency and education of how the healthcare system actually works for the people who use it every day.

Phone tag. Voicemails. Missed connections. If you’ve ever tried to educate your cataract patients before they arrive in the office, you know the challenge. At Regional Eye Associates in Morgantown, WV, one dedicated team member was tasked with calling patients ahead of their consultation. With growing volume, the reality set in: it was a tall task to reach patients consistently and still deliver the level of detail they need to make informed choices. And in cataract surgery, timing matters. Patients deserve time to learn about their options without feeling rushed when the decision is in front of them. That’s why Regional Eye Associates decided to try a different approach. By partnering with Navigate Patient Solutions, they’ve been able to scale those conversations, ensuring patients get connected, educated, and ready for a meaningful discussion with their surgeon. Less phone tag for the practice. More prepared patients. Better use of everyone’s time.

For people living with diabetes, surgery requires extra care and preparation. From managing blood sugar levels to coordinating with your healthcare team, the right steps can make all the difference for a safe procedure and smooth recovery. Read our latest newsletter where we share key insights, preparation tips, and strategies to minimise risks for diabetic patients undergoing surgery. #DiabetesCare #SurgeryPreparation #PatientSafety #Healthcare #Wellness

💡 What Patients Want vs. What Surgeons Strive For – Can We Achieve It All? Whenever a patient plans for surgery, their wishes are pretty universal: ✅ A smooth surgery without complications ✅ Little or no pain during and after the procedure ✅ A short hospital stay to get back to normal life quickly ✅ Affordable treatment without financial stress Sounds perfect, right? But the real question is — Can all of this be achieved in one go? 🤔 From the surgeon’s perspective, our goals align more than you think: ❤️ Ensure the patient’s safety at every step 🔍 Use precise techniques to minimize risk and pain 🏥 Promote faster recovery and shorter hospital stays 💰 Balance these goals with cost-effective, ethical care The challenge lies in bringing these two perspectives together — blending patient expectations with clinical reality. 💬 With advances in minimally invasive surgery, better anesthesia, enhanced recovery protocols, and patient-centered care, we are moving closer than ever to making this “perfect surgery experience” a reality. The magic happens when: 🩺 The surgeon’s skill and dedication 🤝 The patient’s trust and cooperation ⚙️ Modern medical technology 💊 Comprehensive care teams …all work in harmony. In short: Surgery today is not just about “cut & cure” — it’s about delivering safety, comfort, speed, and affordability, together. And yes, with the right approach, it’s possible to check all those boxes ✅ Healthcare #Surgery #PatientCare #MedicalInnovation #SurgeonLife