CPT codes updated in 2009

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA-CCS-P, CPC

Current Procedure Terminology (CPT®) 2009 contains several new and revised CPT codes and Guideline instructional changes. Last month’s column reviewed changes to fractures and “G” codes, general musculoskeletal CPT codes, anesthetic agents, and cervical disk arthroplasty code additions and revisions.

Contracting: Beyond the basics

Charles E. Rhoades, MD

Knowing terms can lead to successful negotiations Executing acceptable physician contracts with insurance carriers has become an increasingly important and difficult task for private practice managers and physicians. Although negotiating changes in a carrier’s routine contract is not easy, it can be done. When presented with an unacceptable contract, you have three choices—to decline it, to change it, or to create an addendum.

Economic survival in the 21st century

Stephen P. Makk, MD, MBA

Economies of scale, scope will help you survive Many factors are driving up the cost of providing health care in the 21st century. Understanding these trends can help orthopaedic surgeons position themselves for success. Traditionally, AAOS membership included four groups, in roughly equal proportions: solo practitioners, partnerships or small groups, large groups, and academics. But this is changing.

The business of orthopaedics takes center stage

G. Jake Jaquet

AAOS Board focuses on practice management AAOS First Vice-President Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, opened the December 2008 Board workshop on practice management by saying, “Education is the Academy’s primary mission, but that mission has to be integrated with member needs. And members realize that practice management is an important—and often overlooked—aspect of their education.” Orthopaedic surgeons “in the trenches” Panelists Thomas J. Grogan, MD (solo); Charles E.

How does your practice measure up?

Carolyn Rogers

AAOE can help you “benchmark” against others Your six-physician orthopaedic group isn’t in serious financial trouble, but income has remained flat for a number of years. With declining reimbursements and soaring overhead costs, you’re really not surprised. Before you shrug your shoulders and return to the operating room, ask yourself: How does your practice performance match up with other practices in the region?

Can’t we put an end to wrong-site surgeries?

Jeffrey Varnell, MD; Dennis Boyle, MD

Patient safety processes require your commitment to work “Dr. Washington,” a prominent Denver orthopaedic surgeon, recently performed an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair on the right knee of a University of Denver football player. Initially, however, he opened the patient’s left knee. He quickly realized his error, closed the incision, and proceeded to perform a successful ACL repair on the correct (right) knee. After a difficult discussion with the player’s family, Dr.

Setting yourself free with a “captive”

Thomas B. Fleeter, MD

Alternatives to standard medical liability insurance companies Five years ago in Virginia, orthopaedic surgeons and other high-risk specialists were in the midst of a medical liability insurance crisis. The Virginia legislature had raised the medical liability insurance cap from $1 million/$3 million to $2 million/$6 million. One major malpractice insurer was in bankruptcy and another had withdrawn from the state.

Nuts and bolts of e-prescribing

Jackie Ryan, MPA

How and why you should participate in the 2009 eRX program On Oct. 30, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule implementing the new e-prescribing (eRX) incentive program that began on Jan. 1, 2009. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) authorized a new and separate incentive program for eligible professionals who are successful e-prescribers as defined by MIPPA.