Story perspectives

Over 200,000 Unnecessary Back Surgeries Cost Medicare $1.9 Billion

10/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Lown Institute's analysis found that over 200,000 unnecessary back surgeries on Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older cost $1.9 billion from 2020 to 2023.
Common procedures included spinal fusions and vertebroplasties, which lack evidence for effectiveness in treating age-related back pain.
Pennsylvania, California, and Florida had the highest rates of overuse, with Mount Nittany Medical Center reporting a 57% overuse rate for spinal fusions.
Kettering Health Miamisburg had a 56% overuse rate for vertebroplasties.

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Story summary

The Lown Institute's analysis found that over 200,000 unnecessary back surgeries on Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older cost $1.9 billion from 2020 to 2023.
Common procedures included spinal fusions and vertebroplasties, which lack evidence for effectiveness in treating age-related back pain.
Pennsylvania, California, and Florida had the highest rates of overuse, with Mount Nittany Medical Center reporting a 57% overuse rate for spinal fusions.
Kettering Health Miamisburg had a 56% overuse rate for vertebroplasties.