Statement attributed to:  
Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA 
Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council  

 
“We appreciate that our calls to Congress did not go completely unanswered, but the small relief provided by a less than 2% adjustment of this year’s cut to Medicare physician services hardly classifies as a solution. Even the misinformation about this minor pay cut update being a ‘bonus’ is alarming and illustrates the lack of understanding around the bigger problem that is Medicare’s broken payment system. Until lawmakers address the underlying issue and implement long-term reforms, our patients in particular—who make up a large percentage of Medicare beneficiaries—will have a harder time accessing timely, quality care. AAOS will continue pressing Congress to protect patients with a permanent fix.” 

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About the AAOS 
The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Office of Government Relations promotes and advocates the viewpoint of the orthopaedic community before federal and state legislative, regulatory, and executive agencies. Based in Washington, DC, with additional staff in the Academy’s headquarters in Rosemont, Illinois, the Office of Government Relations identifies, analyzes, and directs all health policy activities and initiatives to position the AAOS as the trusted leaders in advancing musculoskeletal health. 
 
For more information on all AAOS advocacy efforts, visit http://www.aaos.org/dc 

Contact AAOS Media Relations 

Kristen Coultas
202-548-4143
coultas@aaos.org