Spine

Volunteer Organization Providing Spine Care to Patients in Need

“When you start looking at where you are in life and what you’ve done, this is one way to try to create a legacy for yourself in your community, to try to give back even more,” said Morgan Lorio, MD, a Tennessee orthopedic surgeon who helped create the Spine Health Foundation three years ago. “I don’t think we as humans benefit nearly as much when we receive as when we give.”

John Nichols, MSM, president, Disability Resource Group, Inc., and Spine Health Foundation development advisor, with Carol Conduff and Morgan Lorio at the 2014 Derby Day.

Dr. Lorio and 21 other health care professionals support the mission of the Spine Health Foundation. The list of caregivers includes other orthopedic surgeons; neurosurgeons; pain physicians; physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians; and chiropractors, along with brace makers, orthotists and medical supply companies. These professionals provide low-cost, or in some cases free, care to individuals with refractory spine-related conditions in eight counties, four each in Tennessee and Virginia. Even as it is becoming increasingly difficult for providers to keep up with their own bills and administrative duties, there is a growing population of people who have fallen through the health care system cracks, noted Dr. Lorio.

“Here in Appalachia we’re in a major economic crisis—I just had to lay off three people this week—but having said that, fewer people have the coverage for spine surgery, said Dr. Lorio, a partner at Neuro-Spine Solutions, Bristol, Tenn., after he presented on the Spine Health Foundation at the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery’s 2014 Annual Meeting. “And spine care is not as sexy as other problems with respect to increasing access to services, so there’s a great need.”

“There are many similar charitable organizations in the U.S.—for example Doctors Care in Colorado,” said David Solsberg, MD, a neuroradiologist and interventional pain physician in Englewood, Colo., who is not involved in the Spine Health Foundation. “The specialized focus on spine care is interesting and valuable. Many of these patients sound like they may be eligible for Medicaid insurance in many states, but this does sound like a worthwhile approach and charity.”

The spark plug behind the spine care initiative is Carol Conduff, who Dr. Lorio successfully operated on for spondylolisthesis. He also treated Ms. Conduff’s brother in 2010 when he was left without insurance after back pain caused him to close his business.

“That was my first time realizing how helpless you can be when you have a spine injury and can’t pay for care,” recalled Ms. Conduff. “At the same time, I was hearing so many stories about people who were in similar situations. And it was when I heard about a suicide—a man who’d tried and tried to get treatment but all he could get was pain medication from the doctors— that I decided to talk to Dr. Lorio about what we can do.”

Ms. Conduff jumped into action, armed with a business degree and previous experience in the nonprofit sector. Within six months, the foundation was incorporated and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Ms. Conduff officially is the founder and executive director, but her unofficial duties include serving as the chief patient contact, fundraiser and promoter. She oversaw the creation of the foundation’s website (www.spine​health​foundation.org/​) and organized events such as the 2014 Derby Day fundraiser and the annual Hope Award for physicians or other individuals who have made a significant contribution to the cause.

She also talks to patients every day, including those living in the southeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia area s the foundation serves, and others who can travel into the region for a consult.

“I’ve talked to people across the U.S. who are searching for help. I provide them with information about resources and professionals available in their areas, and also in some cases arrange for surgery if they need it—either for a reduced fee or in some cases pro bono. The providers do as much as they can to make sure those in need get the care they require,” said Ms. Conduff. “Our goal is to continue to raise awareness and build the financial base to help more people in need of specialized spine care.”

—Rosemary Frei, MSc

Josh Sandberg

Josh Sandberg is the President and CEO of Ortho Spine Partners and sits on several company and industry related Boards. He also is the Creator and Editor of OrthoSpineNews.

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