•  Help shape the future of spinecare
•  Demonstrate your commitment to excellence in spinecare
•  Develop and expand your practice

Become a member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), one of the most prestigious spine organizations in the world. Members of the AASP include physicians from some of the most distinguished medical centers and educational facilities in the country. The AASP has also attracted international members from six continents. The AASP developed a strategic alliance with the International Spine Association (ISA) to help shape the future of spinecare on a global basis.

By becoming a member of the academy, you have an opportunity to expand your practice with available resources and help shape the future of spinecare. The AASP was founded by physicians dedicated to conservative and cooperative spinecare. In 2015, membership categories were expanded to include other physician and non-physician members of the spinecare team. The AASP is an organization comprised of healthcare professionals of various disciplines and specialties dedicated to excellence in spinecare. Members are committed to prioritizing a conservative and cooperative approach.

Academy Council members provide valuable direction to the AASP and set it apart from other organizations. Collaboration between Academy Council members and AASP committees strengthens the role and influence of the AASP and helps promote the development and implementation of member services.

• Increase practice visibility
• Receive more referrals
• Distinguish yourself as a spine specialist

Members of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) have an opportunity to be listed on the International Directory of Spinecare Professionals, a subdirectory of the International Spinecare Directory, hosted by the International Spine Association (ISA). Physicians and non-physician members are listed. The online directory is available to professionals and the public via the World Wide Web. It is listed with major search engines to help increase AASP member visibility. The directory provides user friendly search functions so that patients, professionals and the public can search for spine physicians and spine specialists by name, discipline, specialty, facility, and geographic location.

AASP members are entitled to a full page professional profile which contains links to related information including their practice website. The member profile includes contact information, areas of practice emphasis, address, and specialized training/credentialing. Member photo is optional. Members who obtain Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (DAASP), Fellow status with American College of Spine Specialists (FACSS), or Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP) achieve special recognition on the directory profile pages. Directory users have the option of performing a search for members who have a specific credentialed status (i.e. DAASP, FACSS, FACSP).

• Empower your patients with need-to-know information
• Stimulate referrals and expand your practice with updated educational resources
• An informed patient usually has a better outcome with spinecare
• Make sure your patients are adequately informed

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is committed to providing its members with publications which cover topics which will improve the delivery of spinecare. To help meet this goal, the AASP publishes numerous clinical and educational resources including brochures, e-books and fact sheets. The academy offers a series of brochures covering a broad spectrum of spine and related topics. Each publication emphasizes a conservative and cooperative approach to spinecare.

Educational resources are available in digital and printed formats. They can be downloaded to a printer directly from the AASP website. Special brochures are available to help members promote their role in spinecare and to make referrals to spine specialists of other disciplines. These publications help members inform their patients about diagnostic procedures, spine disorders and therapeutic options.

• Enhance your recognition as an expert in spinecare
• Expand your professional referral network

     Physicians

• Obtain Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (DAASP)
• Obtain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP)

    Non-Physicians

• Obtain Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Specialists
• Obtain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists (FACSS)

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to spinecare professionals of all disciplines and specialties. Advanced credentialing is available to members who achieve various levels of academic achievement through the Academy. The AASP is the only organization of its kind to offer multidisciplinary credentialing.

Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (DAASP) is granted to physician members of the AASP who achieve a total of 300 continuing education (CE) credits through the academy. Member physicians who achieve an additional 200 continuing education (CE) credits through the academy are eligible to obtain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP). Non-physician (affiliate) members of the AASP who achieve a total of 150 continuing education credits through the academy are eligible to obtain Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Specialists (DAASP). Non-physician members who achieve an additional 100 continuing education (CE) credits through the academy are eligible to obtain Fellow status with American College of Spine Specialists (FACSS). Members can use the designated initials on professional correspondence, marketing materials, and educational resources.

Such credentialing with the AASP, demonstrates the member's commitment to excellence in spinecare and thus enhances their professional stature with patients, the public and other healthcare professionals. Members who achieve such credentialed status have greater visibility, a prioritized listing, and special recognition on the International Directory of Spinecare Professionals, a subdirectory of the International Spinecare Directory.

• Obtain cost efficient continuing education
• Choose the educational subjects of your choice
• Reduce time away from your family and patients

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers affordable and flexible continuing educational opportunities for its members. The AASP currently provides self-study and online continuing education programs through a variety of formats including Textbook Review Courses, Journal Review Courses, and Case Study Review Courses. After completion of course material, a test is taken online and it is auto-graded. Members receive course credits when they pass the online test with 80% proficiency. If the member does not pass the course with 80% proficiency, there is no credit given. However, the test can be retaken immediately and, if passed, the person immediately receives the CE credit (as per the above). No credit will be given unless the course has been paid for.

Spinecare professionals who join or renew their membership with the AASP are eligible to participate in one free course per membership year. If that course is passed, the member automatically receives 10 continuing education credits (10 CE).

Some states may accept online continuing education credits for license renewal. The AASP member must confirm the acceptance of online continuing education (CE) credits for license renewal with their state organization and or licensing agency. Members can apply CE toward credentialing through the academy. State approval for online CEis not required to obtain credentialed status. Physician members can obtain Diplomate status with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (DAASP) or Fellow status with the American College of Spine Physicians (FACSP). Non-physician members can obtain Fellow status with the American College of Spine Specialists (FACSS).

• Distinguish yourself as a leader in spinecare
• Display your commitment to cooperative spinecare
• Acknowledge your dedication to conservative spinecare

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is dedicated to helping each member proudly display their commitment to excellence in cooperative spinecare. Active members of the academy can purchase a prestigious custom-matted and framed membership certificate at a considerable discount. Custom matting and framing is also available for Diplomate and Fellow certificates. The matte is highlighted by a beautifully embossed silver AASP logo. The custom matted and framed membership certificate can be immediately displayed right out ofthe box. The professional appearance of these products enhances the certificate and its message about the member. Members are entitled to obtain more than one personalized copy of their membership certificate and/or advanced credentials so they can be proudly displayed at various locations throughout their healthcare facility if so desired.

• Introduce yourself and your practice online
• Link your website to online directory listings
• Link to the AASP and ISA database and educate your patients online 24/7

• Refer a Patient Function
• Online Practice Newsletter Builder
• Online Article Builder
• AASP Member Logo and Certificate
• Spinecare Services Summaries
• About the AASP
• Member Press Release
• Directions to Your Practice
• Spinecare Team Page
• Spinecare Services Page
• Spinecare Provider’s Page
• The Academy Page
• Informative Links (link to the online ISA Public Information Center)
• Access to the Academy News

• Direct patients to accurate information about their spine disorder and recommended treatment approach
• Direct patients to spinecare and related products
• Use script forms to help your patient develop their Multidisciplinary spinecare
• Encourage patient self-care

Research has shown that the majority of patients go to the internet to research their healthcare condition and treatment options. This trend applies to spine and related conditions. It is the responsibility of spinecare professionals to address this trend and help their patient’saccess accurate and relevant online information. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) has joined forces with the International Spine Association (ISA) to provide educational solutions for patients and the public. The ISA offers a large multimedia database of need-to-know information about the spine, spine disorders, and available spinecare options. The AASP is the primary content provider for the ISA. The ISA developed script forms /script pads for AASP members which they can use to direct their patients to specific online information.

There are four different script forms available, each of which addresses a specific spinecare topic. The four topics are spine disorders, spinecare products, spinecare disciplines/specialties and treatment options. Each form has a check box next to each spinecare topic. The AASP member can mark the box or boxes for the patient. The script sheet should then be given to the patient. It provides instructions which direct the patient to the recommended topic located within the online ISA Public Information Center (PIC). Patients with chronic spine disorders are encouraged to become members of the ISA so they can acquire up-to-date information 24/7.

• Expand the breadth and depth of multimedia content on your practice website
• Keep your patients informed
• Link to the International Spine Association (ISA)
• Link to the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP)

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers its members some of the most unique educational resources and tools available in the healthcare field. Many spinecare providers already have practice websites; subsequently, the AASP designed a database plug-in which can be accessed through an attractive click through icon/logo placed on an existing website. This resource is referred to as the Plug-inSpinecare Center (PSC). This educational resource provides access to the online Public Information Center (PIC) of the International Spine Association (ISA). The PIC is a large online multimedia database of information about the spine, spine disorders, and available spinecare.

The PSC can be accessed in the physician’s office as part of a patient educational station/center. Individuals can also be directed to access the PSC through the member’s practice website. Patients will be encouraged to return to the PSC to look for new information and to learn about emerging treatment options. Patients become motivated to refer friends, family, and others to the PSC for accurate information about the spine, spine disorders, and available spinecare. The PSC can be accessed 24/7 and can be displayed on a standard computer monitor, flat plasma screen, HDTV monitor and on mobile devices.

• Stay up to date on AASP activities and new member benefits
• Remain informed about emerging trends in spinecare
• Share with spinecare professionals and build a referral network

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is committed to keeping its members informed about trends in spinecare, new member benefits and the activities of the academy. Members, who maintain an accurate email address on file with the AASP, will receive email delivery of the SPINECARE NEWS at no charge.

Whenever possible, online publicationsof the academy news contain active links to additional information. All issues of the online newsletter are archived and indexed, allowing for efficient search and retrieval function. The electronic news archive is linked to the online “Inform a Colleague” function so that members can attach and send information to other spinecare professionals. Each newsletter also has a forward function so that AASP members can forward a copy via email to a colleague instantaneously. This dynamic newsletter feature brings attention to the role of the AASP and the member’s commitment to excellence in spinecare.

• Access professional quality PowerPoint® presentations for community and patient  education
• Download brochures for patient education
• Utilize spinecare information script forms/script pads

The AASP offers numerous practice development resources to help members expand their practice and educate patients and the public about their role in spinecare. Available resources include professional PowerPoint® presentations, Spinecare 360 (SpineLink) networking tools, introductory letters, educational brochures, postcards, appointment cards, and more.

Some of the practice development resources can be personalized with the member’s name, credentials and contact information. The practice development resources can be accessed online and downloaded or printed out by the member. The member may choose to forward publications to a professional printer for large quantities, if desired.

• Obtain a discount on many spinecare-related products
• Purchase practice development resources at a considerable savings
• Save money on equipment and supplies

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to help members save money wherever possible. The AASP offers products and resources through the online eStore usually at a discount to members. Companies who list products on the International Directory of Spinecare Products, managed by the International Spine Association (ISA), are encouraged to offer active AASP members something of value with each purchase. The added value may represent a product, service or a cost savings. The AASP Buying Advantage Program may help members save money on the purchase of equipment, educational resources, anatomical models, promotional items, practice supplies, and other products.

The International Directory of Spinecare Products provides each participating company the opportunity to log onto their profile and change the offer to AASP members 24/7. This administrative feature encourages competition which will benefit AASP members. AASP members can perform a directory search for buying advantage opportunities. Access to the AASP Buying Advantage Program financially may more than justify the cost of annual membership.

• Build your spinecare referral network
• Forward information to colleagues quickly
• Invite healthcare colleagues to join the AASP

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP)endeavors to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with each other and non-member healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online “Inform A Colleague” function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. This unique feature of the AASP website offers a “send to” function, text window and a library (archive) of informational documents. The online link library consists of a list of resources and documents which can simply be attached to an email message via the click of a button. The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources.

The “Inform A Colleague” service represents a convenient method for informing others about trends in spinecare, the role of the AASP membership benefits and other related opportunities. It can also be used to introduce the resources available through the International Spine Association (ISA).The “InformA Colleague” service can be used with the Spinecare 360 (SpineLink) Network resource. In summary, the online “Inform a Colleague” feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionals up-to-date, developing and expanding spinecare referral networks, referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP.

• Ready-to-use presentations for patients and the public
• Access slide archives and build programs to present to healthcare professionals

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) develops multimedia resources for members to help them educate patients, physicians, and the public. One of the most effective and powerful tools is the PowerPoint®slide program.

AASP members have access to some PowerPoint® slide sets and individual slides through the PowerPoint slide archive at no cost. Members can also access additional slides and slide programs/sets through the online AASP store at a discounted fee. Slide programs can be downloaded from the AASP website to the member's personal computer. Some of the slides can be customized for personalized presentations. The slide programs can be used to inform patients, professionals, and the public about spine disorders, new technology, emerging trends, and the benefits of conservative and cooperative spinecare. The slide programs were designed to be used with other AASP educational resources, such as brochures. Some of the PowerPoint® slide programs are designed to supplement patient education lectures in the member’s office setting.

• Invaluable resource for the public and patients
• One-stop location for research

The AASP has an online library of links to spine and related organizations as well as condition specific databases, support groups, foundations and research projects. This feature provides members with quick online access to informative databases. It can take many hours or days of online research to find the variety of links that the AASP has to offer. The savings in online research time is valuable.

• Direct your patients to accurate information about their spine disorder
• Extend your report of findings with the ISA spine disorders database
• Provide your patients with resources they can access 24/7 after the office visit

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) provides members with resources to help direct and educate patients. Patient education should not stop with the office visit or healthcare facility visit. Patients need to be encouraged to participate in their healthcare. The AASP has partnered with the International Spine Association (ISA) to develop resources to make this task easier. This includes the development of a large multimedia database of need-to-know information about the spine, spine disorders and available spinecareis referred to as the Public Information Center (PIC). The PIC database is managed by the ISA.

The spine disorders database provides spinecare professionals with a means of directing patients to need-to-know information about their spine disorders. Patients, who understand their spine disorders, are more likely to be compliant with recommended care. Therefore,they are more likely to experience better outcomes. Spinecare professionals will also spend less time correcting and redirecting misinformed patients.

The AASP provides its members with access to downloadable/printable Information Prescription (Rx) forms which can be used to direct patients to their specific spine disorder located in the online Public Information Center. Members also have access to a brochure, highlighting the role of the PIC. The AASP encourages its members to recommend that patients with chronic spine disorders join the International Spine Association (ISA). Public members of the ISA have 24/7 access to need-to-know and up-to-date information about spinecare.

• Encourage self-care and improve the outcome of spinecare
• Stimulate referrals by educating your patients and the public
• Provide a public service for the community

The National Spinecare Awareness Initiative of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) was developed to educate professionals, patients, and the public about the spine, spine disorders, and available spinecare. The initiative also brings attention to the role of spinecare professionals in various disciplines.

The AASP has partnered with the International Spine Association (ISA), to help meet the goals of the Initiative. The primary mission of the ISA is to improve the quality of spinecare throughout the world through education. Active AASP Members have the unique opportunity to access educational and practice resources developed for the initiative by both organizations. Available resources include social media information tools, brochures, PowerPoint programs, YouTube videos, and webcast commercials.

• Become part of an international educational initiative
• Direct patients to important spinecare content
• Demonstrate your global commitment to spinecare
• Join the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) and become a professional member of the International Spine Association (ISA)

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) has partnered with the International Spine Association (ISA) to develop and distribute information about the spine, spine disorders, and availablespinecare worldwide. The ISA is an international organization comprised of numerous divisions (spine societies) representing countries on six continents.

This unprecedented alliance will result in perpetual development and availability of educational opportunities and resources. This includes the development and management of a large online multimedia database referred to as the Public Information Center (PIC) which covers topics such as spine anatomy, spine disorders, diagnostic methods, advances in technologyand available spinecare treatment options.

The unique international alliance between the AASP and the ISA will increase public exposure to AASP members through the International Directory of Spine Specialists. AASP members have access to downloadable/printable information script forms which can be used to direct patients to the PIC. AASP members can also place an active plug-inicon/log on their practice website which will bring the user to the ISA and the online Public Information Center (PIC). This seamless link adds breadth and depth of spinecare information to the member’s website.

• Build relationships with practicing spinecare professionals prior to graduation
• Refine your skills as a spine physician/specialist in training
• Develop early practice building strategies

Students, residents, and fellows are eligible to apply for candidate membership with the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP). Candidate members receive many of the benefits of full membership at a discounted membership rate.

• Expand interdisciplinary relationships
• Build your own preferred spinecare network

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) has implemented online technology that can be used to help members develop spinecare referral networks within their geographic locations. Members have access to sample letters of introduction which can be used to communicate with other healthcare professionals. These letters may be sent along with other AASP resources such as brochures and/or fact sheets. Sample letters can be customized to invite other spinecare providers to join the AASP and to help build professional relationships which may lead to referrals. The AASP offers numerous brochures which can be used to introduce the academy and the benefits of membership.

• Educate your patients and the public
• Grow your practice by sharing news

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) provides its members with an automated online “Build a Press Release Program”. Press releases provide members with time saving and cost efficient methods of distinguishing themselves in their community and informing the public about trends and new developments in spinecare. The program can be used to build impressive press releases from an extensive archive of news, facts, and opinions published by the AASP. Press releases provide members with time saving and cost efficient methods of distinguishing themselves in their community and informing the public about trends and new developments in spinecare.

• Stay at the leading-edge of spinecare
• Remain aware of your patients’ diagnostic and treatment options
• Learn about emerging technologies and techniques

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP)offers resources to members stay informed about breakthroughs in spinecare. The AASP believes that members should be amongst the first to learn about leading-edge spinecare technology and product availability. To help achieve this goal the AASP developed the online resource referred to as Spinecare Technology News. This unique resource and service is made available through the contributions of the International Spine Association (ISA), experts in the field, companies, and AASP educational partners.



23. AASP Benefit Implementation Services

• Obtain a step-by-step set of instructions for your staff
• Revisit all of your membership benefit opportunities on a regular basis
• Review benefit specific member testimonials

Each member of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) can access theBenefit Implementation Guide to facilitate the use of practice development and patient education resources. The guide serves as a practical list of steps which can be taken to implement member benefits. The guide can be downloaded and/or printed from the member dashboard of the AASP website. The AASP will continue to refine and update the implementation guide throughout the membership year. New and improved practice development resources will be added and the steps for their implementation will be added to the guide.

Active members of the academy will receive email benefit reminders periodically throughout the membership year. Each featured benefit update will include an active link to the “Benefit Implementation Guide”, the “SPINECARE News” and to “Member Testimonials” about the specific benefit. The expanded benefit information and related testimonials will also be available on the AASP member dashboard for access 24/7.

• Present informative webcasts in the waiting room
• Digitally display certificates and credentialing
• Rotate AASP messages
• Display your commitment to excellence spinecare

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is committed to providing educational resources for the front desk and reception areas. Members can access a digital library of AASP educational resources which can be used to deliver important messages. The material can be presented on computer monitors, digital frames, and mounted flat screen monitors. Available resources include information about the Public Information center of the International Spine Association (ISA).


The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) has established a Career Development Program with the assistance of strategic partners. Members can access online resources for finding employment and navigating career transitions. The Career Development Program was designed to help employers identify qualified spinecare professionals for their facilities and programs. This is an important member benefit, especially, with the transition towards larger integrated healthcare groups and networked healthcare systems.

The AASP Career Development Program incorporates leading-edge programming, networking platforms, and internet technology to provide all members, including candidate members, with effective networking resources. This will include an online career board which will serves as the foundation for the development of a full service career center. Employers and job seekers are able to post opportunities, make inquiries, direct offers, search databases and receive emails right from their desktops. Additional benefits include access to personalized career guidance services such as resume critiques, career advising, resume and cover letter services and disclosure of salary negotiation considerations.

The AASP is committed to working with other organizations and associations to help facilitate a nationwide “match-making” function. The integration of online career boards will help create a broad interactive database of jobs and resumes which will help shape the future of spinecare.