What’s your perspective on EMRs?

A roundtable discussion on electronic medical record systems Medical practices have gradually begun adopting electronic medical record (EMR) systems, and recent funding opportunities under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act may facilitate that shift. But is it an advisable strategy for all practices? AAOS Now explored the issue with five physicians: Jon M. Maxwell, MD, a solo practitioner in Adrian, Mich.

Going it alone

Annie Hayashi

Solo practitioners driven by entrepreneurial spirit As the former football free safety for the University of Florida Gators, Michael D. Gilmore, MD, knows the challenges of going it alone—and thrives on them. “Being a solo practitioner is much more difficult than trying to cover a receiver one-on-one in front of 100,000 people,” he says. “It’s much more challenging than that.” As a successful solo practitioner in Florida’s panhandle (Marianna), Dr. Gilmore enjoys being his own boss.

Leverage your buying power to control costs

Maureen Leahy

AAOS Group Purchasing Plan provides cost and time savings Is your practice feeling the pinch of the nation’s economic downturn? The AAOS Group Purchasing Program just may be the silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud. Established in February 2007, the AAOS Group Purchasing Program, powered by eSurg Corp., can save your practice time and money on the supplies you use most. AAOS members have immediate access to nationally negotiated contract prices on quality brand-name supplies.

The physician as employee: Pros and cons

Ian J. Alexander, MD

Are the scales tipping in favor of salaried providers? These are troubling times for medical professionals. With wholesale changes in the U.S. healthcare system almost inevitable, it seems that providers—the true buyers of healthcare services and the largest beneficiary group in the current system—will eventually be targeted in any effort to control costs. The eventual dismantling of a system that rewards physicians for ordering more tests and doing more surgery seems unavoidable.

Reporting complications does not need to be complicated

Margaret M. Maley, BSN, MS

Treating surgical complications can be difficult, but reporting them can be straightforward—particularly if you have a thorough understanding of modifier 78. The definition of modifier 78 is an “unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period.” The following example can provide a better understanding of how to use modifier 78. A dislocated THA Dr.