Spreemo Health launches network to reduce diagnostic errors with back pain

Spreemo Health announced the launch of its new Spine Radiology Network to improve outcomes and reduce diagnostic errors for patients with chronic back pain.

"Despite explosive growth in treatment options and the rate of spinal surgeries, there has been no corresponding improvement in patient outcomes," said Spreemo Health CEO Ron Vianu in a statement. "Good and bad outcomes in spine care often yield 30-fold cost differences. That's why payers are willing to invest more in spine care—and why they've been demanding better solutions."

In a study published in Spine Journal, the Hospital for Special Surgery found diagnostic error rates of up to 43 percent. Spine Radiology Network will work toward reducing these medical errors, along with the almost $100 billion in healthcare expenditures for back pain and spine care.

"Diagnostic errors lead to a significant number of suboptimal outcomes in spine care," said Richard Herzog, MD, director of spinal imaging at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Executive Director of Spreemo Health's QRI. "By improving the accuracy and quality of diagnoses at the outset of patient care, Spreemo Health helps providers recommend the most appropriate treatments for the millions of people suffering every day from spine-related back and leg pain."