Reimbursement formula has “outlived its usefulness”

Peter Pollack

Call for change requires greater physician involvement In an affable and fast-paced conversation, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson and former Senator William W. Bradley discussed a wide variety of political topics during the 2009 Annual Meeting educational event sponsored by the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC). Moderated by Stuart L.

2009: A favorable year for orthopaedic payment updates

John Cherf, MD, MPH, MBA; Kathleen Cox

Medicare reimbursement for orthopaedic services is dominated by the following four programs within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Program Medicare Physician Fee Schedule The 2009 payment updates for these programs implement favorable reimbursement changes for orthopaedics, while continuing to emphasize quality measure

Porter urges PAC, political involvement

Former U.S. Rep. Jon Porter addressed PAC luncheon During the annual Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC) membership luncheon, held as part of the 2009 AAOS Annual Meeting, keynote speaker former Rep. Jon Porter of Nevada shared the following story: During his third term in Congress, he missed the renewal deadline for an $8 sticker that Washington, D.C., requires drivers to display on the car’s windshield.

Bringing doctors and legislators together

The Georgia Orthopaedic Society and the Medical Association of Georgia have teamed up to provide free minor medical care to state legislators. The “Doctor of the Day,” a volunteer physician, treats sick or injured legislators and staff; most complaints are minor, such as cold and flu symptoms. Later in the day, the physician is introduced by his or her legislator to the House and Senate.

DA tells docs: Nixon defense won’t work

Mary Ann Porucznik

Investigations will continue; coast isn’t clear yet More than 500 orthopaedic surgeons attending the “Evolving Orthopaedic Surgeon–Industry Relationship” symposium during the 2009 Annual Meeting listened intently as Crane M. Pomerantz, JD, assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, shared his personal views on “what I think is bad so you can self-police.” “My concern is whether patients are getting your 100 per­cent undivided loyalties,” said Mr. Pomerantz.

Government stimulus package includes EHR funding

Howard Mevis

Investigate before you buy to ensure a workable system The Economic Stimulus Act of 2009, recently approved by Congress and signed into law by President Obama, includes $19 billion in grants and loans for infrastructure and incentive payments under Medicare and Medicaid for physicians who adopt certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology.