Dr. Robert Boyce, an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon with Premier Orthopaedics, has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for delivering superior care to individuals suffering from back pain.

NCQA developed the Back Pain Recognition Program (BPRP) to recognize physicians who follow the recommended approach of pain management and gradual return to activity for uncomplicated back pain. "These physicians provide patients with the care that best meets their needs, restores health and mobility, and avoids unnecessary treatment and tests.” ^l  Sixteen criteria were closely evaluated from a sampling of Dr. Boyce's patients treated in the past year.

"I am happy to be recognized by this program," remarks Dr. Boyce. "It is a good way to demonstrate to patients and to insurers that they are getting the best care – not just on my experience, but on evidence-based standards."

In a day of escalating healthcare costs, both patients and payors are increasingly interested in the outcome of treatment for many common problems. Back pain represents the single most common reason for filing a worker's compensation claim. Most individuals will experience at least one episode of severe, limiting back pain at some point in their lives. Most of the time, they will get completely better without expensive tests or invasive treatments.

Unfortunately, the treatment for back problems varies widely from region to region. Cities with a higher density of spine surgeons have a many fold higher rate of spine surgery. Change is coming with quality initiatives such as the Back Pain Recognition Program and new payment incentives to hospitals and doctors for delivering superior, evidence-based care.

For more information on the NCQA and related programs as well as the BPRP, please visit http://recognition.ncqa.org/PDetails.aspx?ProviderId=3700465.

Dr. Boyce is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon. He sees patients at the Premier Orthopaedics Centennial Care Center on most days of the week. For more information on Dr. Boyce, please visit his Bio page on this website. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Boyce, please call 615-342-6300.