AAOS Now, October 2009
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The shifting shape of healthcare reform
“It is clear from President Obama’s remarks (to the Congress on Sept. 9, 2009) that he is determined to press forward with healthcare reform legislation—with or without the support of key stakeholders, including most physicians,” said William J. Robb III, MD, chair of the Board of Specialty Societies.
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CMS accepts AAOS recommendations on THA, TKA infections
New codes recognize need for additional resources In the final inpatient prospective payment system rule for the 2010 fiscal year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) accepted the payment recommendations proposed by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) for the treatment of infected total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
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Taking direct action on direct access
Concern for patient safety triggers one surgeon’s protest The U.S. Congress is currently considering a measure that could have a serious effect on how orthopaedic patients interact with physical therapists. Concern over patient safety moved Peter L. Meehan, MD, to write Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urging him to reconsider his cosponsorship of the Medicare Patient Access to Physical Therapists Act of 2009 (SB950/HR1829).
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Hospital-physician alignment: Passing trend or a new paradigm?
HCSC examines trend to hospital-based physician employment What does the future hold for orthopaedic practices in the 21st century? Increasingly, hospitals are seeking to employ not only individual physicians but also entire practices—from primary care to specialty physicians. A recent meeting of the AAOS Health Care Systems Committee (HCSC), chaired by Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, focused on hospital-physician alignment and examined the issue from a variety of perspectives.
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Healthcare reform requires tort reform
Palin blog cites AAOS Now in calling for legal reforms To make access to the greatest medical care in the world affordable for all its citizens, America’s healthcare system needs reform, Sarah Palin wrote in her blog (Aug. 21, 2009). Ms. Palin called for real bipartisan reform, which would have a real impact on the cost and quality of patient care. To achieve that goal, said Ms. Palin, lawmakers must recognize that healthcare reform and tort reform are intertwined.
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The impact of trauma networks on healthcare delivery
Healthcare reform must address trauma care A trauma network is an organized, coordinated effort that delivers the full range of care to all injured patients in a defined geographic area and is integrated with the local public health system. An effective trauma network enables a seamless transition between each phase of care—from the prehospital engagement to acute care facility treatment to posthospital care—in a patient-centered, cost-effective manner.
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“Project 535” off to a strong start
On August 10, 2009, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) President Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, announced “Project 535,” a nationwide effort by the AAOS to meet with every member of Congress to discuss priorities on healthcare reform. The first phase of “Project 535” targeted Congressional representatives while they were in their home districts during the August recess. Nearly 100 AAOS fellows in 38 states contacted their elected representatives or their healthcare policy staff.