The Value of Orthopaedic Surgery: A Paradigm Shift

Andrew J. Pugely, MD; Jared L. Harwood, MD; Richard C. Mather III, MD

More than 300 orthopaedic surgeons gathered in Washington, D.C., to attend the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC) this past May. In addition to lobbying Congress, attendees participated in symposia focused on health policy and advocacy-related issues, one of which celebrated the ongoing success the AAOS has had in defining “Value in Orthopaedics.” The value initiative started under Past President John R.

August Recess Presents Opportunities

Elizabeth Fassbender

It’s officially called a “district work period.” But most people know it as the “August recess.” Federal lawmakers have wrapped up their legislative business, cast their last votes, and headed back to their home districts and states. By tradition and by law, Congress recesses for the month of August, putting a pause on legislative business.

Success in the States

Eboni Morris; Elizabeth Fassbender

In the past few months, many states have wrapped up busy legislative sessions, concluding their business efforts for 2014. State policymakers considered a broad range of topics, and state-level advocacy efforts have resulted in numerous successes on issues ranging from scope of practice to medical liability.

Open Payments Review & Dispute Process Ends Aug. 27

Under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, physicians have the right to review and dispute data about them submitted through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments system prior to public posting of such data on Sept. 30, 2014. The data cover payments made by applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) from Aug. 1–Dec. 31, 2013. Physicians and teaching hospitals have until Aug.

Second Look—Advocacy

Bundled payments An article in The Wall Street Journal (June 9) looks at the issue of bundled payments for healthcare. Under a bundled payment pricing program, a single overall price covers everything involved in a course of treatment. The author states that 350 healthcare organizations are currently participating in pilot bundled-payment programs with Medicare, covering 48 health conditions.

CMS Releases Proposed Rule for 2015 PFS

Anthony Wheeler, PhD; Elizabeth Fassbender

On July 3, 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed regulations updating the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2015. The proposed rule also covers quality reporting initiatives for physicians, including the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and the physician Value-Based Modifier program.