Orthopaedic Workforce Trends

Hazel Oreluk, MA; John Cherf, MD, MPH, MBA

The 2014 Orthopaedic Practice in the United States (OPUS) Survey, also known as the orthopaedic census, gathers demographics and practice data on U.S. orthopaedic surgeons. Conducted by the AAOS research and scientific affairs department, the census helps ensure that AAOS members are accurately represented, that Academy program and products evolve to reflect changes in membership, and that the AAOS continues to address the professional needs and interests of its members.

Calculating Overhead: What It Really Costs to See a Patient

Thomas J. Grogan, MD; Michael McCaslin, CPA

The conventional definition of overhead is simply the cost of doing business. In an orthopaedic practice, overhead is the money spent to provide goods and services to patients. Managing overhead is a challenge for any orthopaedic practice, but being able to accurately calculate and control overhead is critical for orthopaedic surgeons to control their practice finances. The first key to controlling overhead is being able to measure it.

Commonly Asked Coding Questions

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

Physician members and staff attending AAOS-sponsored coding workshops frequently have questions that cannot be addressed in a course, or that surface after they return to the office. This month’s coding column addresses several questions that have been received after a coding workshop. In most cases, the question involves differences between the way Medicare and private payers use the American Medical Association’s (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

Two Ways to Achieve Hospital-Physician Alignment

Craig R. Mahoney, MD; Leslie H. Kim, MD; Kyle Shah, MHA

One of the aims of the Affordable Care Act was to increase alignment between doctors and hospitals. Alignment strategies such as accountable care organizations (ACOs), clinically integrated networks (CINs), medical homes, or bundled payment programs all encourage collaboration between doctors and hospitals, enabling more efficient and effective care.

Mitigating Against Lawsuit Loss

John P. Lyden, MD

As orthopaedic surgeons, we are likely to be sued at some point in our careers. Some of us have been sued already. Whatever our status, each of us as individuals—as well as our group practices—should have a proactive approach toward risk mitigation. We should also have appropriate strategies in place to handle patient problems that have the potential for becoming lawsuits.

How Do Practices Split Expenses for Overhead?

AAOE survey findings Recently, the American Association of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) surveyed members about how offices split overhead and revenue. According to Jerald T. Forrester, MBA, FACMPE, president and CEO of Steindler Orthopedic Clinic, in Iowa City, the results were “not surprising.” In his summary of the results, Mr. Forrester noted that the one-day online survey drew 101 respondents, primarily from groups with 10 or fewer physicians.