AAOE offers myriad opportunities

By Addy Kujawa

Diagnostic imaging accreditation…maximizing reimbursement…strategic planning…capturing income opportunities…Are these some of the challenges facing your orthopaedic practice?

In these economic times, it’s more important than ever to run an efficient, cost-saving, and revenue-producing practice. Whether your practice administrator is a seasoned veteran or just starting out, the educational, networking, and hands-on opportunities available at the American Association of Orthopaedic Executives’ (AAOE) annual conference will help him or her help you achieve that goal.

For example, practice executives from groups of similar sizes can connect on relevant topics to compare approaches. Educational sessions such as “Show Me the HITECH Money!” bring practice executives up-to-date on the impact of legislation.

Practice executives with personnel management responsibilities may want to consider attending the “Wage and Hour Boot Camp” to find out who’s exempt and who’s not; what time is compensable; and how to handle training time, travel time, and break time.

If your practice has been approached by a hospital, or if you are thinking about aligning with a hospital, your practice executive can learn about different models, best practices, and other facets of a quality integrated delivery system.

Saving time and money
Because practice executives are often involved in purchasing decisions, the AAOE annual conference offers opportunities to comparison shop and get immediate feedback from others who have used the systems you are considering.

Membership in the AAOE is a bargain—just $300 per person, regardless of practice size. Membership isn’t limited to practice executives; orthopaedic surgeons—particularly those in small practices or solo practitioners who manage their own practices—are also welcome. Even billing and coding staff can benefit from membership.

Sign up now
The AAOE annual conference will take place May 2–4, 2010, at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, Calif. The normal registration fee is $650 for AAOE members, but you can save $100 if you register by Friday, March 19, 2010. Because nonmember registration is $1,150, joining the AAOE and then registering for the conference is another cost-saving measure.

Membership information, the preliminary program, and conference registration are all available online, at the AAOE Web site, www.aaoe.net

If you have any questions or would like further information, call (800) 247-9699 or email info@aaoe.net

Addy Kujawa is executive director of the AAOE; she can be reached at kujawa@aaos.org

AAOS Now
March 2010 Issue
http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/mar10/youraaos6.asp