Challenges and opportunities in spine surgery  

Spine surgery remains one of the most complex and resource-intensive specialties in modern healthcare. From degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis to traumatic injuries and scoliosis, spine procedures require: 

• Multidisciplinary coordination. 
• Precise surgical execution. 
• Meticulous planning and post-operative care. 
• Evidence-based pathways to reduce variability in outcomes. 

As patient expectations rise and reimbursement models shift toward value-based care, spine surgery programs must do more than simply deliver good outcomes; they must prove they are doing so consistently, safely, and efficiently.  

What is the Advanced Spine Surgery Certification (ASpSC)? 

DNV’s ASpSC is an industry recognized designation for hospitals and surgery centres that meet rigorous clinical, operational, and quality standards in the delivery of spine surgery. The program evaluates care across all phases of the spine surgery continuum, from initial evaluation through rehabilitation and follow-up. 

Unlike other approaches that emphasize documentation alone, our approach blends clinical evidence, performance data, and real-world operational insight to assess quality. 

The certification process includes an annual survey led by DNV experts with clinical experience in orthopaedic and neurological spine procedures. 

Hospitals are evaluated across the full continuum of care, including: 

• Preoperative assessment: Thorough diagnostic evaluation, patient education, and shared decision-making. 
• Surgical planning and education: Standardized protocols for safety, efficiency, and surgical precision. 
• Intraoperative protocols: Checklists, sterilization standards, and risk mitigation measures. 
• Pain management and complication prevention: Evidence-based practices to reduce post-op risks. 
• Rehabilitation milestones: Clear recovery goals and integration of physical therapy. 
• Discharge planning and continuity of care: Seamless handoffs and follow-up protocols. 

The certification helps ensure that spine surgery programs are consistently delivering patient-centred, data-driven care that exceeds industry standards.