Workers’ Compensation System Under Attack

Mary Ann Porucznik

“What happens when workers’ compensation guidelines become law?” asked Ian Crabb, MD, during the 2013 AAOS Fall Meeting of the Board of Councilors (BOC)/Board of Specialty Societies. Dr. Crabb, a BOC representative from Nebraska, was specifically addressing treatment and “return-to-work” guidelines for state workers’ compensation systems. “Workers’ compensation has been around since the beginning of recorded history,” noted Dr.

New Light on Industry Payments to Physicians

Sunshine Act website debuts this year Kathleen L. DeBruhl, JD, and David D. Haynes Jr, JD Since Aug. 1, 2013, manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics, and medical supplies have been collecting information on payments or other valuable items or services provided to physicians and teaching hospitals.

TRICARE Program Lets Military Down

Brian P. Wicks, MD

When I read the article “Accepting TRICARE Shows Support for Military” (AAOS Now, October 2013), I was bothered by the insinuation that an orthopaedic surgeon who does not participate in the TRICARE program is not supportive of the U.S. military. What the article failed to cover is the egregious job that the U.S. Congress has done in providing for those who defend our country.

Second Look—Advocacy

FDA requests label changes to OTC topical antiseptics The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting label and packaging changes to enhance the safe use of certain over-the-counter (OTC) topical antiseptic products. The request is the result of an ongoing evaluation of infrequent but continuing reports of infections resulting from antiseptic products labeled for preoperative or preinjection skin preparation.

Reference Pricing: What Does It Mean to You and Your Practice?

Leslie Kim, MD; William Kumler, MD, MBA; Alexandra Page, MD

In business, reference pricing is a term that traditionally identifies marketing and pricing strategies used by the seller. In health care, however, reference pricing is a strategy used by the payer. The similarity in both cases is that the seller or payer creates a “reference price” (RP) as a reimbursement strategy for a product. Reference pricing has been common in the pharmaceutical industry.

AAOS Hosts Orthopaedic Quality Institute

Elizabeth Fassbender

On Nov. 14–15, 2013, stakeholders from around the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2013 Orthopaedic Quality Institute (OQI), “Partnerships in Improving Value in Musculoskeletal Care.” Since 2011, OQI has helped shape the debate on quality initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare costs and bolstering healthcare quality.

SGR Repeal and Replacement Moves Forward

Thomas C. Barber, MD; Elizabeth Fassbender; Catherine Boudreaux, MPP

Efforts to repeal and replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula are moving closer to being realized. On Dec. 12, 2013, the Senate Finance and the House Ways and Means committees passed bipartisan bills to permanently repeal the SGR—the first step in replacing the outdated formula.