Frequently Asked Questions

About

Learn about MSSIC's mission to improve the quality and safety of spine surgery in Michigan.

Our Executive Committee is a dedicated team of seasoned professionals leading the charge in enhancing the quality and safety of spine surgery.

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Collaborative News & Training

Password required. Access MSSIC newsletters, collaborative-wide-meeting presentations, training resources, and programs designed to help health care providers improve their knowledge and practices in spine surgery.

Publications

Discover the latest publications and research findings showcasing data-driven insights aimed at improving spine surgery outcomes.

Impact

Learn about the measurable impact of MSSIC highlighting its success in improving spine surgery outcomes, reducing complications, and advancing patient care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

PATIENT FAQs

PROVIDER FAQs

Is this email or text a scam?

MSSIC has partnered with PatientIQ to safely and securely collect patient information. PatientIQ sends messages to patients via text and via email. If you receive a message like the ones pictured below – please respond to provide your surgeon important data about how you are feeling after surgery. The system will always ask for your date of birth to verify your identity.

TEXT MESSAGE SCREENSHOT

EMAIL SCREENSHOT

EMAIL INBOX SCREENSHOT

What kinds of questions will I be asked?

If you receive a MSSIC survey, you may wonder what kinds of questions you may be asked and how long it will take to answer. MSSIC collects information on things like your pain, physical function, and return to work. Most of our patients are able to complete our surveys in less than 5 minutes. If you take the survey online it will look similar to the screenshot below.

Why should I respond to the questionnaires?

Spine surgery is unique in that we are unable to obtain something as simple as lab values to track your progress. It is your journey, and we have to hear from you in order to evaluate your pain level, quality of life, and the positives/negatives of your experience to improve the process.

When will I be contacted for questionnaires?

90 days, 1 year, and 2 years after your spine surgery.

Will my information be protected?

Yes! It is placed in a secure registry.

What if I have questions about my care?

If you have any questions about your care please reach out to your surgeon’s clinic or the hospital that you received your surgery. MSSIC is unable to answer any questions about your care.

What is MSSIC?

The Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC) is an initiative aimed at improving the quality and safety of spine surgery in Michigan. By bringing together orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, MSSIC focuses on reducing complications, enhancing recovery, and using data-driven practices to achieve better patient outcomes. The collaborative works to implement best practices and foster continuous improvement in spine care across the state.

What is the goal of MSSIC?

The Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC) is committed to enhancing the quality of spine surgery across Michigan by improving patient outcomes, reducing complications, and lowering health care costs. Through data-driven collaboration among surgeons and health care providers, MSSIC aims to implement best practices, advance patient safety, and ensure a faster, more effective recovery for spine surgery patients. We strive to continuously improve the care and well-being of our patients through innovation, education, and the collective effort of our member hospitals and surgeons.

How do I join MSSIC?

To become a part of the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MSSIC), surgeons and health care providers need to express interest in joining through their hospital or physician organization. Participation involves collaborating on quality improvement initiatives and contributing to data collection efforts. For specific steps and requirements contact the MSSIC Coordinating Center at MSSICData@hfhs.org.

What are the benefits of participating in MSSIC as a site or provider?

Better patient outcomes (shorter length of stay, reduced complications, reduced cost), collaboration (within your organization, between other health care systems, and with your patients), and best practice guidelines are provided to implement at your site. The MSSIC Coordinating Center provides extensive support and resources to help MSSIC sites be successful.

What is done with the data/how is it shared?

Data is used to support quality improvement initiatives which in turn, improve patient care. Data is shared a few different ways. Collaborative-wide data can be seen by all participants, sites can see their own data compared to the MSSIC-All, and surgeons can view their own data. Surgeons have the option of push reporting which sends their data directly to them.

Who needs to be involved at my site?

Each site needs an Administrative Lead, Abstractor, and Surgeon Champion to collaborate with the MSSIC Coordinating Center. QI work requires multidisciplinary involvement and support, so each site will also build a team to collaborate and work together to implement processes and improve outcomes at your organization.

Call 911 immediately if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency. Do not rely on communication through this website for urgent medical needs. Please call your surgeon's office directly if you have questions regarding your neck or spine surgery.

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