AAOS Now, January 2009
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Bradley, Thompson to address Annual Meeting
PAC-sponsored event features point/counterpoint on healthcare reform Former Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Tommy G. Thompson and former Senator William W. Bradley will trade diverse points of view honed in the national political spotlight during an Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC)-sponsored event at the 2009 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Venetian Ballroom.
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The Orthopaedic PAC and the 2008 elections
For the 2008 election cycle, the Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (Orthopaedic PAC) set new records—not only in contributions and support from the fellowship (Fig. 1), but also in successfully backing candidates who support our positions. Most PAC contributions are delivered in Washington, D.C., but during the 2008 election cycle more than 70 Orthopaedic PAC checks were delivered in district by AAOS members at fundraising events.
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AAOS, AANA advocate for changes
Efforts have positive impact on CMS final rules Part of an effective advocacy strategy on behalf of musculoskeletal patients and orthopaedic surgeons involves working through the federal notice and comment rulemaking process. Several proposed rules are released annually, including the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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10 steps to limit liability
How you can help stem the medical liability crisis “Ahead of the Curve” ended 2008 with a review of some of the flaws of the current malpractice system. With a new year, it’s time to make some resolutions, so this article includes practical advice on avoiding lawsuits, defending yourself if you are sued, and getting involved in the fight to change the system.
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2008 Legislative Round-up
Successes include AAOS Bill, research funding, DMEPOS Although physicians still face a cut of more than 20 percent in Medicare payments next year, progress was made by avoiding the 2008 cuts that would have occurred under the flawed “sustainable growth rate” Medicare payment formula. In addition, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) took a leadership role on several other issues.