AAOS Now, May 2015
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Electronic Medical Records and Patient Safety
The evolution of the electronic medical record (EMR) has resulted in major changes in the healthcare environment. As early as 2009, Congress was allocating funds ($19 billion) to promote the use of EMRs, and EMRs are a major component of the Affordable Care Act. As orthopaedic surgeons, we each have individual stories and experiences with EMRs—both favorable and unfavorable. However, little emphasis has been placed on the potential effects on patient safety resulting from the use of EMRs.
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“X” Subset Modifiers and Orthopaedic Clinical Examples
Confusion about modifier 59 and the “X” subset modifiers is evident in the responses from orthopaedic practices to a recent survey conducted by Karen Zupko & Associates, Inc. Modifier 59 is used to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-evaluation and management services performed on the same day. The “X” subset modifiers were introduced in 2013 to define specific subsets of the -59 modifier.
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Which Credit Cards Should Your Practice Accept?
New AAOS member benefit gives you added flexibility Jerry Winkelmann Four major payment card brands currently dominate the U.S. market: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Is it necessary for your practice to accept all four? If you want to help ensure patient satisfaction, payment assurance, and practice efficiency, the answer is yes. The rationale is simple. Patients want to be able to pay for your services their way.
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Digital Engagement for Physician Recruiting
With the explosive growth of digital media, an age-old tool for recruiting has been taken to a whole new level. Networking in today’s digital world offers a medical practice exponential reach beyond just its personal group of alumni and peers. It also enables the practice to build a strong employer brand and gain a competitive edge in the “war for talent” for a fraction of the cost.
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Improving Surgical Safety: Developing a Safety Culture and Checklist Usage
Despite multiple nationwide and global patient safety initiatives (Table 1), surgical and patient safety errors are still common and adverse event rates for surgical conditions remain unacceptably high. Some studies have shown that about one-half of hospital adverse events are associated with surgical procedures conducted in the operating room (OR).