Presented at the 2012 AAPM Annual Meeting « Back

A Relative Value Calculator for Pain Procedures

James B. Macon, MD, macon@fnspine.com, Framingham Neurospine, Framingham, Massachusetts

The value formula calculates a quantitative mean value for matched groups of spinal pain procedures designed to treat the same conditions defined by identical ICD9 diagnosis based on successful outcome and overall cost data. Healthcare value has been defined as the patient outcome per dollar spent (Ref. 1). This value equation with outcome and cost data entered by the user is displayed in spreadsheet format. The success rate is also displayed based on the entered outcomes and the user defined success range. The value equation is a quotient of summation series dividing the sum of successful outcomes by the sum of payments for procedures received by all providers (Fig. 1). The value formula calculates mean values and success rates for groups of spinal pain procedures with significant implications for spine care delivery (Fig. 2). The trend and duration of value is evident when Results are plotted as a function of time (Fig. 3). The value formula may be used to direct decision-making when two or more procedures are available to treat the same spinal pain disorder. References: 1)Porter M, Teisberg E. "A Strategy for Health Care Reform- Toward a Value-Based System" N. Engl. J. Med. 361: 109-112, 2009.

Funding: None