Winnemucca

Researchers are comparing the rates of surgical and minimally invasive interventions, as well as any harms, in Medicare beneficiaries treated with the MILD procedure versus those treated with interspinous process decompression IPD for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. This observational study uses Medicare claims data to follow patients for 24 months after their initial procedure starting from January 1, 2017. The purpose is to evaluate outcomes between these two types of procedures without requiring prior patient enrollment or consent. The study includes two groups patients who received MILD, which is a percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression performed under fluoroscopic guidance through a dorsal approach to the spine, and patients who received IPD, a different device-based decompression procedure. Data on reoperations and complications will be collected for both groups over a 24-month follow-up period using Medicare claims. Enrollment continues until the sponsor decides to stop. Participants involvement is passive as the study uses existing Medicare claims data. Researchers will monitor rates of harms related to the initial procedure and subsequent surgical or minimally invasive interventions over two years. No direct patient visits or interventions are conducted, and the study is exempt from institutional review board oversight. The total study duration extends to December 2026, covering cases treated since early 2017.

Researchers are evaluating whether the Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening QUILS2 System state-based initiative SBI can improve the capacity for lung cancer screening implementation and sustainability in Mississippi and Nevada. This initiative aims to reduce lung cancer-related deaths in underserved communities by replicating successful intervention strategies previously used in Kentucky, which increased screening rates and reduced late-stage lung cancer diagnoses. Participants will carry out the QUILS2 SBI intervention over a period of four years. The intervention includes hiring and establishing connections with relevant groups, working with the Mississippi Lung Cancer Roundtable MSLCRT and Nevada Lung Cancer Coalition NLCC, attending annual and feedback meetings, prioritizing objectives, receiving coaching and technical assistance, and engaging in sustainability planning. Throughout the study, participants will be involved in various implementation activities and assessments related to lung cancer screening. Researchers will measure changes in statewide capacity for lung cancer screening implementation and sustainability over up to three years. The study spans from March 2026 to July 2029, with ongoing support and evaluation throughout the intervention period.