Healthcare Disparities Concern Continue

John Cherf, MD, MPH, MBA; Shreyasi Deb, PhD, MBA

Health and healthcare disparities are important measures of difference that cannot be confused or ignored. Disparities in the quality of health across populations are well-documented in both developed and developing nations. The 2016 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report shows that the quality of health care has improved gradually each year, but gains remain uneven.

AAOS Works to Reform Stark Law

Julia Williams

Self-referral prohibitions in the Social Security Act, commonly known as the Stark Law, were enacted more than 30 years ago to limit the influence of financial relationships on physician referrals. Over the years, however, the prohibitions have failed to keep pace with changes in the healthcare environment, including those that affect orthopaedic surgeons. As a result, AAOS is working to reform the Stark Law.

Liaisons Represent Orthopaedic Community

Kyle Trivedi

To ensure that the voice of orthopaedics is heard, more than 60 AAOS members represent the Academy and their colleagues by serving as liaisons to federal agencies and other organizations. Liaisons help shape quality measures, standards and appropriateness criteria, and medical device reviews, and publish materials on advances in research, medical care, and treatment.

Second Look – Advocacy

These items originally appeared in AAOS Headline News Now, a thrice-weekly enewsletter that keeps AAOS members up to date on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, with links to more detailed information. Subscribe at www.aaos.org/news/news.asp (member login required) A report released by medical liability insurer The Doctors Company examines potential liability risks associated with the use of electronic health records (EHRs).