Proposed Spinal Implant Regs Still Draw Critics

By Greg Griggs, EditorThe California Division of Workers' Compensation has revised its plan to abolish the so-called "pass-through" for implants used in spinal surgeries, but some industry stakeholders believe the proposed changes don't go far enough to cover costs.The DWC this week amended its rules proposal to provide an alternative method of payment for spinal surgeries. The division still wants a new payment system based on the Medicare fee schedule, but it proposed an alternative this week that would allow hospitals to keep the pass through, however at a reduced rate in 2012.Hospi...