The Better Way Back®, a Nuvasive® Patient Education Program, Reaches 1,000 Patient Ambassadors

SAN DIEGO, February 5, 2013 – NuVasive, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUVA), a medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and procedures for the spine, is pleased to announce that The Better Way Back®, a NuVasive supported patient education program, has reached over 1,000 active patient ambassadors nationwide.The Better Way Back’s ambassadors are patients who have undergone spine surgery and who volunteer time to share their stories with pre-operative patients who are medically indicated and contemplating spine surgery. Most Better Way Back patient ambassadors are XLIF® (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) recipients.
“Reaching 1,000 patient ambassadors is a significant milestone in patient spine care,” said Rolf Benirschke, senior partner of Legacy Health Strategies, a patient engagement company that manages The Better Way Back Program. “We have ambassadors in every state who educate and support patients suffering from chronic back and leg pain – this has offered many patients hope for the future.”
Established in 2010, The Better Way Back has been steadfast in its commitment to raising public awareness of spine disorders by educating patients, loved ones, clinicians, and healthcare providers about spine surgery treatment options. By speaking with a patient ambassador who has suffered from a similar condition or selected the same surgeon, patients and their loved ones can receive a balanced perspective on spine treatment options.
“I’m finally able to do some good and give back after my own positive experience with spine surgery,” said Kathleen Mosko, a patient ambassador for The Better Way Back. “As an ambassador, I can tell patients that they are not alone and that I understand their pain and concerns. I have spoken with hundreds of patients over the past couple of years and I’m proud to be doing what I do. I know it makes a real difference in the lives of others.”
In addition to sharing stories with pre-operative patients, patient ambassadors routinely speak out on behalf of patients who may be too consumed with pain to speak for themselves. By raising awareness with legislative and regulatory decision makers, The Better Way Back community continues to make a nationwide impact by leading the charge to educate patients about spine disorders, innovative treatment options, and positive patient outcomes.