Coding of new technology and devices

Matthew Twetten

What to do when an established code doesn’t exist Long-established procedures such as total joint replacements have Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that are also part of a payor’s standard physician fee schedule. A new procedure, or a new method of performing an older procedure with a new device, however, may have neither a CPT code nor a listing in a payor’s physician fee schedule. So how are you, as the billing surgeon, to report the procedure?

FDA takes first steps to transparency

Jeanie Kennedy; Nick Piatek

AAOS shares concerns on device approval, guideline development processes In response to two presidential memoranda calling for greater transparency within federal agencies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently held a public meeting to discuss steps to provide information to the public in a faster, user-friendly process. The AAOS was represented at the meeting by staff from the office of government relations.

AAOS assists tort reform in Oklahoma

Ronald G. Hood, MD

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there” Will Rogers, one of Oklahoma’s favorite native sons, gained national fame with his wit and sharp political satire—and the above quote is just an example of his down-home advice. Following his suggestion, the Oklahoma State Medical Society (OSMA) has been on the right track since 2002. Even though we were “run over” a few times, we kept moving forward and that track has led us to successful medical liability reform.

Social ethics, healthcare economics, and medical malpractice reform

Edward A. Dauer, LLB, MPH

A demonstration project in legal responses to neonatal encephalopathy The American legal system’s response to medical errors and accidental outcomes is dysfunctional. Its fault-based liability process is inefficient and inequitable; its ability to foster patient safety is deeply flawed; and, operationally linked with a discipline-based regulatory process, it achieves punishment without accountability, retribution without justice, and diseconomy without gain.

Will new healthcare policies erode surgeon freedom of choice?

Jeffrey R. Binder

Reform efforts should not undermine surgeon judgment Surgeon judgment, skillfully applied to each patient’s unique condition and expectations, is essential for the delivery of excellent care. Yet this judgment is increasingly called into question by policymakers, payors, and hospital administrators. Mounting financial pressure is driving a disturbing trend that could constrain the free exercise of surgeon choice and dramatically alter the physician’s traditional role as patient advocate.

Healthcare delivery changes: A surgeon’s perspective

Michael R. Marks, MD, MBA

Meaningful change requires “all-or-nothing” approach Although several proposals for revamping the healthcare delivery system have recently been released, there are still major disagreements about what should be done. Any major change is difficult to accept, but I believe that the major obstacle to designing and finally enacting any meaningful healthcare reform is the lack of consensus on who should manage the finances and how the system should be managed. The aging U.S.

Second Look

If you missed these Headline News Now items the first time around, AAOS Now gives you a second chance to review them. Headline News Now—the AAOS thrice-weekly, online update of news of interest to orthopaedic surgeons—brings you the latest on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, as well as important announcements from AAOS. CMS issues 2010 proposed Medicare FFS rates According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S.