Operative note dictation: Tips for knee procedures

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

Although dictation of operative notes might seem straightforward, many surgeons fail to include enough information to enable proper coding of knee procedures not related to joint reconstruction. For example, documentation differentiating open and arthroscopic procedures is often missing; incorrect or nonspecific diagnosis codes may be used; and CPT, G codes, and modifiers may be used incorrectly.

Who owns the data?

Jonathan L. Schaffer, MD, MBA; Jackie Ryan, MPA

Electronic medical records are protected health information One of the most important aspects of an electronic medical record (EMR) is the data it houses. The physical location of that data becomes an important issue for consideration when orthopaedic surgeons contract with a vendor for an EMR system. Physicians have two basic options when choosing an EMR system, and each offers a different data storage model.

HHS initiates liability demonstration projects

Theodore J. Clarke, MD

In September 2009, President Barack Obama issued a memorandum to Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services that read, in part, as follows: “We should explore medical liability reform as one way to improve the quality of care and patient-safety practices and to reduce defensive medicine….to begin funding projects that can test a variety of medical liability models and determine which reforms work….

Changing practice trends require flexibility

Peter Pollack

Preparation and clear thinking are keys to survival The next few years are likely to see major changes in the practice of orthopaedic surgery, and physicians who are unprepared may find themselves on the back side of unfavorable trends, according to panelists at the 2010 Practice Management Symposium for Practicing Orthopaedic Surgeons. Moderated by Michael Q. Freehill, MD, the panel brought together surgeons from a variety of practice settings.

New AAOS primer: Hospital employment

Has your local hospital asked you about full-time employment? Are you considering trading the hassles of an independent practice for the security of a hospital position? Before you make any decision, you’ll want to check out the new primer from the AAOS Health Care Systems Committee (HCSC), with input from the Practice Management Committee.

Is your office ‘completely connected’?

Jennie McKee

Transition may be challenging but moving forward is imperative According to Thomas J. Grogan, MD, there’s more to running a successful orthopaedic practice than following sound business principles and providing cost-effective care. Using technology to modernize the practice is another key piece of the puzzle. Transitioning to EMRs Every day, said Dr.

Physicians under stress

Alan H. Rosenstein, MD, MBA

By Alan H. Rosenstein, MD, MBA Life in the fast lane affects behavior and performance Most physicians entered the medical field believing that hard work and dedication would provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide best-practice care for their patients. Physicians had unique skill sets and were happy to make the necessary sacrifices in the name of patient care. All seemed to be going well until the mid 1980s.