Bundled payments in spine surgery

Interest in the application of bundled payments to the field of spine surgery continues to grow. There may be great potential for cost-savings for spinal procedures under bundled payments. However, challenges such as heterogeneity of DRGs, complex procedures requiring lengthy recoveries, and appropriate outcomes measurement pose barriers to successful bundled payment design. In this paper, we review the challenges and opportunities posed by bundled payments in spine surgery. We also present several key considerations for policymakers interested in payment reform within spine surgery. Surgeon involvement will be critical in providing guidance for generating effective alternative payment models.