ACOs: New Payment Models Present Opportunities, Risks

D. Joshua Miller, MD, MBA; Manish K. Sethi, MD; William T. Obremskey, MD; Hassan Mir, MD; A. Alex Jahangir, MD

Although many prognosticators are expecting the Supreme Court to strike down some, if not all, of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the problems and influences that led to the proposed healthcare reform will undoubtedly persist. Foremost among these is the steady escalation of healthcare costs, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries.

Primer Explores Physician-Hospital Alignment

Jennie McKee

More than ever before, the U.S. healthcare system is focused on improving outcomes while simultaneously lowering costs, as compensation systems shift from a fee-for-service model to one based on health outcomes. Aligning and working in partnerships with hospitals can enable physicians to help guide the evolving healthcare system and enhance the quality of care, according to Kevin J. Bozic, MD, MBA, and Alexandra E.

Introducing the Candidate Briefing Guide

John T. Gill, MD; Stuart L. Weinstein, MD

The summer heat means that the 2012 election season is also heating up—and the impact of the November elections on the delivery of health care should not be underestimated. Regardless of the decisions reached by the U.S.

Private Practices Have Significant Economic Impact

Jennie McKee

What impact do private practice physicians such as orthopaedists have on local and state economies? According to a study sponsored by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), these physicians make important contributions to the state’s economy as well as to the public good.

Preparing Your Practice for Health Reform

John Purvis

A superb faculty of active, influential leaders in health policy, quality initiatives, and orthopaedics interacted with a standing–room-only audience during the new AAOS course, “Shifting from Volume to Value: Preparing Your Practice for Health Reform,” held March 30–31 in Washington, D.C. Attendees included practicing orthopaedic surgeons, medical directors, practice executives, and healthcare payers.

What’s “Cook”-ing in Races across the Country?

Madeleine Lovette

During the most recent Council on Advocacy (COA) meeting, David Wasserman, House editor and political analyst for the Cook Political Report, an independent, nonpartisan online newsletter, presented his projections for the 2012 Presidential and Congressional races. A nationally recognized political analyst, Mr. Wasserman has appeared on several national news shows and has provided election night commentary since 2008. He also serves as an associate editor of National Journal magazine.

Taking Advocacy to the Grassroots

Madeleine Lovette

More than 300 AAOS members descended upon Washington, D.C., April 25–27 for the annual American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC). This yearly advocacy event helps raise awareness about issues affecting the orthopaedic community, builds support for orthopaedic-related legislation, and strengthens Congressional relationships.