Orthopedic Surgeons Lobby for Support of Musculoskeletal Disease-Related Issues

Orthopedic surgeons lobbied members of Congress last week to gain more political leverage in musculoskeletal disease-related issues.

Approximately 425 members of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AA0S) gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National Orthopedic Leadership Conference (NOLC). Members want lawmakers’ support on several “critical” issues facing the industry, including the treatment and management of musculoskeletal diseases, preservation of patient access to specialty care, achievement of medical liability reform and protection of patients’ rights to use in-office ancillary services.

The organization reintroduced the Access to America’s Orthopaedic Services (AAOS) Act at the meeting. The bill—first proposed in 2009— serves to increase the attention paid to musculoskeletal diseases on behalf of patients; further research heightens the possibility of new surgical methods, which will improve patient mobility and quality of life. Musculoskeletal diseases primarily affect patients who are over age 50, an age group that is about to double, according to the group.

Participants also addressed the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). The IPAB will be made up of 15 members appointed by the President only; fewer than half can be healthcare providers, and no member can be a practicing physician.

“Leaving Medicare payment decisions in the hands of an unelected, unaccountable governmental body with minimal congressional oversight will negatively affect timely access to care for older Americans, military families and people with disabilities,” said Peter J. Mandell, M.D., chairman of the AAOS Council on Advocacy.

In order to repeal the IPAB, the AAOS recommends that congress cosponsor the Medicare Decisions Accountability Act, which repeals the IPAB, or The Health Care Bureaucrats Elimination Act, which amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by eliminating the IPAB.

“AAOS members want the very best for their patients and members of congress want the same for their constituents,” Daniel J. Berry, M.D., president of AAOS, told Orthopedic Design & Technology. “Understanding this shared goal, NOLC participants hope that a dialogue with members about the impact these issues will have on their constituents will lend to practical solutions to our healthcare challenges.”