Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Study Reveals 200,000 Unnecessary Back Surgeries in PA Hospitals

10/17/2025

50 5

Summary

Story summary

The Lown Institute found unwarranted back surgeries at three Pennsylvania hospitals: Heritage Valley Sewickley (38%), Mount Nittany Medical Center (57%), and St. Clair Hospital (30%).
The study used Medicare claims from 2020 to 2023 to identify over 200,000 needless procedures costing nearly $2 billion.
The findings indicate waste in American healthcare.
Last year's report flagged the same hospitals and noted a slight improvement in overuse.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Lown Institute found unwarranted back surgeries at three Pennsylvania hospitals: Heritage Valley Sewickley (38%), Mount Nittany Medical Center (57%), and St. Clair Hospital (30%).
The study used Medicare claims from 2020 to 2023 to identify over 200,000 needless procedures costing nearly $2 billion.
The findings indicate waste in American healthcare.
Last year's report flagged the same hospitals and noted a slight improvement in overuse.