Program

Experience NASS 2019

The Winds of Change Blow into Chicago this September for the NASS 34TH Annual Meeting.


Preliminary Program

Program Co-chairs

Jeffrey C. Wang, MD

Thomas E. Mroz, MD

Patrick C. Hsieh, MD, MS

David E. Fish, MD, MPH

Allen S. Chen, MD, MPH

Sanjog Pangarkar, MD


Attend multiple hands-on courses that will occur throughout the meeting, examine ePosters with a physical and virtual presence, pose questions to and ask advice of subject matter experts, and watch key opinion leaders perform live cadaver procedures on stage.

Specialized Courses

Four courses will occur during the week. These one- and two-day courses are a great way to gain additional education and hands-on time while at the meeting. Coding, minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery and lumbar spinal injections courses are available.


Monday and Tuesday, September 23-24 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

During this highly interactive course, physician faculty who lead NASS’ CPT, RUC will address ICD-10, E&M coding and CPT4 coding of surgical, medical and radiologic procedures. Attendees will leave this course with the necessary knowledge and critical tips on how to navigate through the authorization and denial process, identify nuances that affect proper billing and cause rejected/delayed claims, utilize Medicare NCCI edits, and properly document to receive reimbursement.

Credits: The North American Spine Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 15.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.

Wednesday, September 25 (7:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.)

Faculty will provide a targeted focus on current minimally invasive spine techniques, including posterior, lateral, OLIF, navigation, robotic, and endoscopy techniques. After a short didactic lecture session, attendees will practice guided hands-on cadaver procedures. Space will be limited to maximize hands-on time. Physicians only.

Note: Attendees will be required to watch recorded lectures online prior to the course.

Credits: The North American Spine Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.

Wednesday, September 25 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Faculty will address the recent evolution of endoscopic spinal surgery (ESS), examine novel advances in the field of endoscopic optics and miniaturized surgical tools, and access the potential of replacing the conventional ‘open’ surgery using a microscope. Clinical scenarios will illustrate solutions using spinal endoscopy, including surgical tips and pearls on these emerging percutaneous procedures. The cadaver workshop will follow the didactic lectures.

Co-Sponsored with Korean Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Society

Friday, September 27 (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

Experienced faculty, from NASS Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine (ISMM) Fellowship Program, will address patient selection and technique for lumbar epidural steroid injections, lumbar medial branch blocks, and sacroiliac joint injections. Additionally, attendees will learn about anatomic fluoroscopic structural correlations with various lumbar injection procedures during this didactic and hands-on cadaver training. Residents and fellows are highly encouraged to attend, though all providers are welcome as space allows.

Note: Attendees will receive the didactic lectures prior to the course so focus on-site will be primarily in the lab.

Credits: The North American Spine Society designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.

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ePosters

ePosters—Breaking Out of the Box

Using a new hybrid system, ePosters will have a physical and virtual presence. Mini-poster walls will give attendees a throwback to the traditional poster hall and its traditional networking, but add the interactivity and functionality of modern technology. Using a phone or tablet through the NASS 2019 mobile app with the mini posters will allow for interaction via social media. Attendees are able to post directly to the ePoster and have discussions with both the author and others viewing the ePoster.

Spotlight Zone

NASS Spotlight Zone

Brainstorm with subject matter experts, ask questions and receive advice. You, and a colleague or two, will have a more personalized setting to foster dynamic interactions in small groups. Here’s an opportunity to discuss spine issues, best practices, procedural questions, etc. throughout the week.

Surgical Technique Cadaver Demos

Top surgeons will demonstrate specific techniques using cadavers and take questions from the audience. These surgical technique demonstrations will occur in the general session room on Friday, September 27.

  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Michael Y. Wang, MD
  • Minimally Invasive Lateral Interbody Fusion: Juan S. Uribe, MD
  • Cervicothoracic Osteotomy for Cervical Kyphosis: K. Daniel Riew, MD
  • Spinal Deformity Correction: Lawrence G. Lenke, MD
  • MIS Tubular Decompression: Faculty: TBD
NASS Social Hour

NASS Social Hour

Don’t miss the social hour at the convention center after the sessions conclude Wednesday. Enjoy food and libations in a comfortable setting after a day of educational programs. Have fun with friends and colleagues before heading off to dinner.