Fiscal Policies Affect Healthcare Community

Elizabeth Fassbender

Speaking at the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (PAC) luncheon, held during the AAOS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, former Sen. Judd Gregg, a national leader in fiscal policy, discussed U.S. debt and outlined what he believes are the current issues facing the federal government. According to Sen. Gregg, many of the country’s fiscal policies are tied to health policy, and therefore, have an impact on the healthcare community. “The federal government has a very serious problem.

Adapting to Healthcare Reform

Elizabeth Fassbender

This year will be a sentinel year of change for orthopaedic surgeons and their practices. Not only must AAOS members be prepared to address a proliferation of technological advances, they may also be faced with real payment reform and the growing pressures of having to provide more care to more people for less cost. Helping orthopaedic practices prepare to meet the changing realities of healthcare reform was the topic of a special symposium held during the AAOS 2014 Annual Meeting.

Partisanship in Washington at All-time High

Maureen Leahy

“I am asked all the time if this the most partisan time we have ever had in American history,” said Cokie Roberts. “The answer is no, because the parties are not shooting each other.” Although the days of politicians dueling are over, this is a “very, very partisan time in our country,” Ms. Roberts said. Ms. Roberts and her husband Steve, both veterans of the Washington political scene, were this year’s Annual Meeting guest speakers.

Second Look—Advocacy

Cost variations in hip, knee arthroplasty According to the National Institute for Health Care Reform, hospital inpatient price differences account for most of the spending variation on “episodes of care” rather than differences in spending on physician and other nonhospital services during and after discharge or spending on readmissions.