Be prepared before depositions

Douglas W. Lundy, MD, FACS

Tips for responding to questions during expert witness depositions How to Excel During Depositions: Techniques for Experts That Work (SEAK, Inc., Falmouth Mass., 1999) by Steven Babitsky, Esq., and James J. Mangraviti Jr., Esq., is one of the best resources I’ve found for orthopaedic surgeons who serve as expert witnesses and for those who are defendants in a lawsuit. Last month, I reviewed some of the authors’ tips on answering counsel’s questions.

Risk management—It’s not all about medical malpractice

Murray J. Goodman, MD

In the narrow world of our day-to-day practice, orthopaedic surgeons often think of risk management strictly in terms of avoiding exposure to medical liability lawsuits. But in Insurance and Risk Management Strategies for Physicians and Advisors, author, physician, and healthcare economist David E. Marcinko, MD, has assembled a cadre of experts who address the broader issue of risk management.

Accommodating obese patients in an orthopaedic practice

Adolph J. “Chick” Yates Jr., MD

By Adolph J. “Chick” Yates Jr., MD Careful planning, frank discussions best serve a difficult patient population An increasing number of Americans are overweight; many meet the definition of obesity (body mass index of 30 or more). While the lay press trumpets an “obesity epidemic,” the orthopaedic literature is also increasingly reporting on the higher rates of perioperative complications associated with the overweight patient.

Additional modifier changes for 2008

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA, CCS-P CPC

Last month, we reviewed the changes for modifiers 22, 25, and 76 that went into effect in 2008. This month, we’ll examine the changes for modifiers 51, 58, 59, and 78. Modifiers are used to indicate that a service or procedure has been altered by some specific circumstance, but has not changed in its definition or code, or to indicate a special circumstance when reporting a service.

Invest wisely for a secure retirement

Frank M. Griffin, MD

Understanding basic investment concepts and vehicles is helpful Recent news stories have focused on the failure of various investment vehicles, reinforcing the importance of having a personal understanding of risk and a trusted advisor. The most important investment concept is to “get started!” The earlier you begin to invest, the longer your money is working for you. Compound interest and dollar cost averaging can help increase the value of your retirement fund.