Payment Policy Changes Proposed for Musculoskeletal Care

Alix Braun, MPH

In early August, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the highly anticipated calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the CY 2021 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System/Ambulatory Surgical Center (OPPS/ASC) proposed rules. The two payment rules, which are published annually, include significant proposed changes to the landscape of musculoskeletal care.

Telemedicine Brings the Orthopaedist to the Patient

Scott A. Galey, MD; Catphuong (Cathy) Vu, MD, MPH

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinic waiting rooms around the country have emptied as patients, physicians, and policymakers quickly pivoted to telemedicine for health care to reduce patient and physician exposure. For orthopaedic surgeons, telemedicine has revolutionized the delivery of patient care, which may have a lingering impact for years to come.

Presenter: ‘Grow Your Practice and Stay Out of Jail’

Alyssa Gibson

In today’s competitive environment, many practices are weighing the pros and cons of selling their practice or remaining independent. Ryan Johnson, a nationally recognized healthcare lawyer from Fredrikson & Byron P.A., tackled that question in a webinar presented for the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) titled “Innovating in a Regulated Environment: Grow Your Practice and Stay Out of Jail.”

Your Patients and Colleagues Are on Social Media, and You Should Be Too

Dustin J. Schuett, DO, FAAOS

The benefits of social media extend far beyond simply allowing patients to follow you on Twitter or Instagram. Social media accounts are an easy, low cost way to promote yourself and your practice.

Evaluation and Management Changes Are Coming Soon

Michelle Abraham, MHA, CCS-P; Joanne Willer, CPC

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) evaluation and management (E/M) “Office and Other Outpatient Services” codes and guidelines will have significant changes. It is crucial to ensure that your electronic health records (EHRs), practice management systems (PMSs), and billing software systems are updated to reflect these considerable changes and report the correct levels of E/M services for new and established patients.