Spinecare Awareness Campaign


		Introduction
		Influence of the American Academy of Spine Physicians
		Campaign Mission
		Campaign Vision
		Initiatives of the AASP
		Practice Development Resource Initiative:
		Candidate Member Initiative:
		Affiliate Member Initiative
		Online Public Information Center Initiative:
		Find a Specialist Initiative:
		Spinecare Publication Initiative:
		Partnerships and Sponsorship Levels
		Campaign Partner
		Educational Partner
		Educational Sponsor

INTRODUCTION

The evaluation and care of spine and related health problems represents one of the single greatest areas of inefficiency in the American healthcare system. Americans spend about 80-100 billion dollars a year on surgery, physician visits, diagnostic procedures and medication to treat back and neck related problems. Between 1997 and 2005, spinecare spending increased by 60-70% but patient outcomes did not improve. Many potentially unnecessary spine operations are performed each year while other spine disorders go untreated simply because of misinformation and lack of patient education.

The prevalence of spine and related disorders has grown to epidemic proportions. Back pain has become one of the most common reasons for seeing a physician. The direct and indirect cost of back care in the US is estimated to be greater than 150 billion dollars per year. Approximately 80% of the U.S. population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives. There are more than 200,000,000 patient visits to chiropractic physicians and neurosurgeons each year for spine-related problems. This estimate does not include visits to primary care physicians for back pain and it also does not include estimated visits to other spinecare specialists. Most individuals will go to the internet to search subjects related to the spine such as back pain, neck pain, back surgery, and spinecare.

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is addressing these concerns with one of the most aggressive spinecare awareness campaigns ever attempted by any single group or organization. The campaign and various initiatives were intially launched in 2007. The Academy continues to develop and refine strategic initiatives to educate patients, physicians and the public about the spine, spinecare and the role of spine specialists of various disciplines. The AASP will continue to collaborate with its members, Educational Partners, Educational Sponsors and the International Spine Association (ISA) to accomplish it goals.

Next: Influence of the American Academy of Spine Physicians

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Join / Renew

Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($295)

Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)

Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP

Membership Renewal

Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.

Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to www.spinephysicians.net and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.

Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.

RENEW MEMBERSHIP

American Academy of Spine Physicians