AAOS Now, June 2010
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Docs on brink again
As this issue of AAOS Now went to press, physicians were once again facing a 21.2 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement rates, beginning June 1, 2010. So far this year, the cuts have been delayed three times; a measure that would have postponed application of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula until 2014 was facing stiff opposition in both the House and Senate. AAOS has consistently called for the repeal and replacement of the flawed SGR formula.
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Negotiating contracts
Tips for success in dealing with HMOs and PPOs Knowledge is power. The more you know about a health plan—whether it’s a health maintenance organization (HMO) or a preferred provider organization (PPO)—the more successful your negotiations will be. As with any business agreement, each of the parties (you and the health plan) hopes to gain an advantage.
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Easing the burden of on-call coverage
Survey finds increased compensation may offset other limiting factors Maintaining appropriate levels of on-call coverage, especially specialist coverage, in the emergency department (ED) can be a balancing act for hospitals. Similarly, a surgeon’s decision to participate in ED call may take multiple factors into consideration. As a result, many facilities are re-evaluating their on-call schedules and procedures. What does this mean for orthopaedic surgeons?
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Understanding reinsurance
Protection for the companies that protect you Everyone understands the basic principle behind insurance. Individuals or groups reduce their financial risk by pooling their money with others who have a similar risk. When a loss occurs, a large fund is available to offset it. Similarly, insurance companies are faced with the problem of how to make the law of large numbers work to their advantage.
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Is your EMR fueling risky record keeping?
By Cheryl L. Toth Customize templates to ensure accurate documentation If you’re evaluating electronic medical record (EMR) systems, or have recently implemented one, don’t be fooled into thinking that the risk of an audit disappears after going digital. In fact, EMRs may actually increase your risk of an audit—unless you use the system’s documentation features properly. Recent audits of orthopaedic practices reveal inaccurate descriptions of patients’ reports or physicians’ actions.
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Get CME and a medical liability premium discount
ProMutual joins NORCAL in offering discounts The AAOS has long been involved in efforts to help lower medical liability premiums for members—from campaigns to institute tort reforms to studies designed to identify and reduce risk. Now, the AAOS is partnering with medical liability insurance companies to enable members to obtain rate reductions based on risk management and communication education.
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Show staff you care
Inexpensive “thanks” provide a big return A recent post to the American Association of Orthopaedic Executives’ list serve reads: “I have a physician who has a difficult time showing staff appreciation and doesn’t want to spend money to do it. He believes that if you tell someone they’re valuable, they’ll ask for more money. This philosophy is affecting morale.”
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Disability insurance for orthopaedists
Shopping for coverage? These tips can help… In the financial services business, the more things change, the more they stay the same—even when it comes to disability insurance. Although the disability insurance market has changed over the years, basic principles apply when shopping for individual coverage. This article will serve as a primer to help you find the policy or policies to best suit your individual needs in today’s marketplace.