New Orthopaedic CPT Codes for 2015

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

In 2015, orthopaedic coders will have to make changes based on several revisions to ICD-9 codes and guidelines as well as new orthopaedic-related CPT code information. Physicians and coders should review the entire 2015 CPT manual for guideline and code changes pertinent to their individual or group practices. This article introduces new orthopaedic-related CPT codes for 2015.

Implementing Shared Decision Making in the Orthopaedic Practice

Alexandra E. Page, MD; Ben Moulton, JD, MPH

The process of shared decision making (SDM) should be a patient-centered experience, fostered by collaboration between the patient and physician. Although barriers exist to implementing SDM in an orthopaedic practice, doing so also presents orthopaedists with opportunities (Table 1). Barriers Orthopaedics is uniquely suited for SDM but the practice has not been widely adopted.

Making the Most of PAs and NPs

Physician assistants and nurse practitioners add value, quality The number of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) working in medical practices has grown substantially. According to a recent survey conducted by Jackson Healthcare, a healthcare staffing firm, nearly one-third of physician respondents say they have increased their use of advanced practice professionals, including PAs.

Unconventional Warfare: Fighting the New Tort Reform Battles

Brian S. Kern, JD

As health care changes, so does the perceived liability associated with its delivery. With these changes, plaintiff attorneys are adopting new strategies to obtain compensation for patients. The fight for caps on noneconomic damages and other traditional tort reform measures should not eclipse the need to adapt to the times.