AAOS Opposes MedPAC’s SGR “Fix”

Richard J. Martin, JD; Madeleine Lovette

On October 6, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) voted 15–2 in favor of adopting a proposal to repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that establishes physician pay under Medicare. Under the proposal, current payment rates would remain flat for primary care physicians over the next decade and payments to specialists would be cut.

How has orthopaedics evolved?

Hazel Natividad, MA

Every 2 years, the AAOS conducts the OPUS (Orthopaedic Practice in the United States) survey. This census of AAOS members, which was last conducted in 2010, provides a comprehensive look at the practice characteristics of orthopaedists in the United States. It not only reflects the orthopaedic workforce, but also shows how the orthopaedic specialty is evolving.

When it’s not your complication

Margaret M. Maley, BSN, MS

How to report services provided to your partner’s patient during the postoperative period If a complication arises after surgery, prompt treatment is required. But if your partner, the orthopaedist who performed the surgery, is unavailable and you step in to provide the care, how should you report and code the service? To better appreciate how these services should be reported, you must first understand what is included in the global surgical package related to postoperative care.

10 tips to implementing an EMR system

Richard Dell, MD; Charles Rhoades, MD; Howard Mevis

By Richard Dell, MD; Charles Rhoades, MD; and Howard Mevis How you make the shift makes the difference You’ve invested countless hours evaluating electronic medical record (EMR) programs and the companies behind these programs. You’ve selected a system, completed the purchase, and installed the new software and hardware. You’ve ensured that everyone in the office—physicians and staff—has successfully completed training on the new system and is ready for the “go live” date.

Take control of your digital footprint

Peter Pollack

Engaging patients online gives you the opportunity to manage your own reputation “Patients search for information about their conditions, their medications, and, of course, their physicians,” noted Howard J. Luks, MD, who has spoken frequently on the topic of physician online engagement. “That poses a risk to doctors, particularly orthopaedists, who are elective specialists and frequently depend on referrals from patients and other physicians.

Get acquainted with social media

Before you jump into social media, first define your goals and determine how much time you’re willing to devote to keeping up your presence on the Web. Although many different types of social media are available, the most commonly used social media networks are Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Here is a brief introduction to them. Facebook With more than 750 million users, Facebook (www.facebook.com) is the most popular of all the social networking sites.

More victims than meet the eye

Linda K. Kenney

Patients are not the only victims in medical errors In November 1999 (the same month the Institute of Medicine released its famous report, To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System), at the age of 37, I was scheduled for a total ankle replacement surgery at a major medical facility in Boston.

Owning up to medical error

Danielle Ofri, MD, PhD

It was the end-of-the month morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference. The resident had just finished presenting his case: a 31-year-old male admitted to the emergency department (ED) in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Because no intensive care unit (ICU) bed was available, and the ED was overflowing, the team titrated down the insulin drip quickly so they could get a floor bed for the patient.

New NLRB deadline

Under the National Labor Relations Act, private-sector employers—including medical practices—with income or expenses of $250,000 must display a formal notice advising employees of their rights and the obligations of employers by Jan. 31, 2012. The original Nov. 14, 2011, deadline was extended to allow for enhanced education and outreach to employers. The notice informs employees about their rights to organize a union, negotiate as a group, and strike.

How medical errors affect physicians emotionally

Dennis J. Boyle, MD

By Dennis J. Boyle, MD Understanding the impact can help improve patient safety Errors are all too frequent in medicine. The 1999 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System estimated that as many as 98,000 deaths occur in U.S. hospitals each year as a result of iatrogenic error or injury. The IOM report strongly suggested that physicians recognize, prevent, and properly disclose clinical errors.