Sunshine Act Data Collection Begins

Elizabeth Fassbender

As of August 1, medical drug and device manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs) began collecting data on payments and transfers of value (TOV) made to U.S. healthcare providers. The data collection is required under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (Sunshine Act), which establishes a publicly accessible database disclosing potential conflicts of interest between physicians and applicable medical drug and device manufacturers.

Benchmarking Your Orthopaedic Practice

AAOE Benchmarking Survey provides valuable information Benchmarking is a valuable tool that enables medical practices to measure their internal processes against those of their peers. Each year, the American Association of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) surveys its members to establish orthopaedic practice benchmarks. Recently, AAOE members participated in a roundtable discussion on the survey’s benefits to their practices. Allan A.

2013 4th Quarter Tax Saving Tips

What to do now to save on 2013 taxes Carole C. Foos, CPA, and David B. Mandell, JD, MBA As the 4th quarter of the year approaches, most orthopaedic surgeons have a fairly good idea of what their taxable income will be for 2013. If you are wondering whether you can do anything now to save taxes on April 15, the answer is very likely “yes.” The following ideas could help reduce your 2013 income tax bill, depending on your facts and circumstances.

Run Your Medical Practice Like a Business

Maureen Leahy

Although physicians may not realize it, their medical practices are big businesses and need to be run as such, according to Ron Howrigon, president of Fulcrum Strategies, a contract negotiation and healthcare marketing firm that works with physician groups of all sizes and specialties across the United States. “When you look at the millions of dollars of revenue that flow through physician practices—even small practices—you realize that they really are big businesses.

Are You Prepared For the Future?

Frederick N. Meyer, MD

As orthopaedic surgeons, we are facing ever-increasing challenges to practicing medicine and managing our practices. We must learn to deal with many new problems, ranging from the establishment of new delivery systems to the introduction of new payment models. These changes can have a significant impact on how we practice orthopaedics as well as on our practice revenues.

Aligning Physician and Hospital Goals through Gainsharing

David Seligman; Gail S. Chorney, MD

As health systems and providers adapt to evolving regulations and post-reform challenges, opportunities to develop greater alignment have become a major driver in the healthcare industry—providing better patient outcomes, improving system-wide efficiency, and reducing the cost of care.

What to Do When Your Claim’s Denied

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

Private payers are increasingly denying payment for CPT code 29826—arthroscopic subacromial decompression—when it is reported with open shoulder procedures.

What You Need to Know about MOC’s “Peer Review”

Shepard R. Hurwitz, MD

There’s no getting around it—earning continuing medical education (CME) credits is a big part of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery’s (ABOS) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process. By obtaining 120 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™—including at least 20 credits from scored and recorded self-assessment examinations (SAE)—in two 3-year cycles, and submitting proof to the ABOS, you satisfy a key aspect of MOC. But there’s more to MOC than CME.

Call for Nominations

The 2014 Nominating Committee is actively soliciting suggestions for individuals who might serve in the following positions: Second Vice President Treasurer-Elect Member-at-Large [Age 45 or Older] Member-at-Large [Under Age 45] (younger than age 45 on March 13, 2014) National Membership Committee Member Nominations should be sent to John J. Callaghan, MD, Chair, 2014 Nominating Committee, c/o AAOS Office of General Counsel, 6300 N.