AAOS Now, May 2012
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Coding for Knee Arthroscopy and Chondroplasty
The definition of a chondroplasty, reported with CPT code 29877 (“Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty]”), did not change in 2012. What did change is the guideline instruction referring the physician and coding staff to CPT code 29880 and 29881 when a chondroplasty is performed with a meniscectomy (29880 or 29881). So, the ultimate change for 2012 is not with the chondroplasty CPT code but with the meniscectomy CPT codes.
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Take Steps to Improve Practice Efficiency
How efficient is your orthopaedic practice? Practice efficiency is a way to improve personal satisfaction, patient care, and financial success. An efficient, well-organized practice helps reduce your down time and allocates resources to help maximize your productivity. Orthopaedic surgeons generally see more patients per clinic hour than other specialty providers.
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Build Referrals with Nine Milestones in Patient Care
Patient growth in an orthopaedic practice is influenced by several variables including, but not limited to, competitors, payer networks, and health system arrangements. Although these external forces are influential, critical choices in personnel, management, physician commitment, and adaptability determine whether or not the practice effectively communicates leadership, brand superiority, and market preference. Patients and referral sources rarely need more choices. They need help choosing.
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Is Your Practice Prepared for a Disaster?
Disasters, naturally occurring or otherwise, are things most of us don’t like to think about. However, when a medical practice is not adequately prepared, disasters can cause catastrophic damage resulting in a substantial loss of revenue. Physicians and practice administrators should develop a comprehensive response plan before a disaster occurs—because it’s the last thing that you’ll want to deal with during or after the event has taken place.
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Considering ICD-10 in Light of RAC Audits
Rachel V. Rose, JD, MBA, and Michael R. Linkins, MBA, CPC, CMPE The implementation of both the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) coding and Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) overpayment identification presents significant challenges for providers. Both initiatives rely on complete and accurate clinical documentation and can have a significant impact on the revenue cycle. The transition to ICD-10 Until recently, Oct. 1, 2013, was the date set for the U.S.
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FDA Regulatory Status and Informed Consent
The doctrine of informed consent is familiar to orthopaedic surgeons who invoke the underlying principles to counsel patients prior to surgery. The basic requirement that a patient must consent to a procedure was established in 1914, in the case of Schloendorff v. Society of New York Hospital. The New York Court of Appeals ruled that absent consent, a surgeon who performs an operation is liable for a medical battery.