The Orthopaedic PAC: The voice of advocacy

Stuart L. Weinstein, MD

In my role as chairman of the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC), I have had the opportunity to talk with hundreds of members of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). I’ve found that members’ responses to the PAC vary widely and occasionally evidence a lack of understanding of the PAC and the way it functions. Some members question the role of the PAC in the life of an orthopaedic surgeon or the AAOS.

What is the Orthopaedic Device Forum?

Annie Hayashi

AAOS-sponsored organization made major breakthroughs in regulatory processes In 1995, the relationship between orthopaedic societies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was strained due to problems emanating from lengthy regulatory processes. The FDA was unable to meet its own performance levels for product reviews. By the time pro-ducts reached the U.S. market, approximately half of them were obsolete—and millions of taxpayer dollars had been wasted.

From Pong to CAOS

John Flint, MD; Samir Mehta, MD; the Washington Health Policy Fellows

A short history of computers in orthopaedics ‘Computer’ originally referred to a person who made calculations, often with the assistance of a mechanical device. Among the devices used in this numerical manipulation were the abacus (invented between 1000 BCE to 500 BCE), the Antikythera mechanism (created about 100 BCE to calculate the position of the sun and moon), and the slide rule (invented in the 1600s).

AAOS testimony on prompt payment draws House subcommittee support

Starr McCaffery

Despite the enactment of prompt payment legislation in 47 states in recent years, orthopaedic surgeons continue to report that most accurate and valid health insurance claims remain unpaid for more than 90 days.