Fusions Performed more often in Golden State, Study Finds

By Greg Jones, Western Bureau ChiefWashington and California both have evidence-based treatment guidelines and use utilization review to determine when requested procedures are appropriate, but a recent study found the rate of lumbar fusions was 47% higher in the Golden State.The study published in the November issue of the Spine Journal also found that fusions were more expensive in California than Washington, and that injured workers in California had a greater risk of complications.Titled “How Do Coverage Policies Influence Practice Patterns, Safety and Cost of Initial Lumbar Fusion S...