Medical liability reform in New York State

Heather Bennett, JD

In crisis, but hope is on the horizon For the past several years, the medical liability environment in the state of New York has been spiraling out of control and has reached a crisis point. But it finally appears that the state government is realizing the extent of the crisis and is preparing to address it. As the reform efforts unfold, the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Inc. (NYSSOS) is taking an active role. On Sept. 4, 2007, Gov.

Final rule isn’t the last word on Stark

Michele M. Zembo, MD, MBA

Look for possible additional changes in 2008 On September 5, 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the Phase III Final Rule to the Federal Physician Self-referral Prohibition Statute, commonly known as “Stark.” These regulations become effective on Dec. 4, 2007. Although titled the “Final Rule,” they are likely anything but the last word on Stark.

Habit-forming: Access to physician prescribing patterns

Ryan M. Nunley, MD; the Washington Health Policy Fellows

Getting the data is easier than you think An interview on National Public Radio this past summer revealed that the drug company representatives who visit physicians’ offices already know exactly what drugs an individual doctor prescribes. This knowledge enables sales representatives to hone their sales pitches and provide the doctors with journal articles and data on why their drug is better than the competition.

Where do they stand on health care?

By Annie Hayashi, Jennie McKee, Peter Pollack, and Carolyn Rogers AAOS Now looks at presidential candidates’ positions on healthcare reform With a field of nine Republicans and eight Democrats (officially announced at time of publication), there’s bound to be a diversity of opinions among the potential presidential candidates. With this issue, AAOS Now begins a series of reports on the candidates and their stances on issues of importance to orthopaedic surgeons.

Washington Health Policy Fellowship Program

The AAOS is seeking exceptional senior orthopaedic residents and fellows in training to apply for the AAOS Washington Health Policy Fellowship Program. This outstanding opportunity enables fellows to contribute to and better understand the health policy processes at the federal level. Fellows actively take part in the formulation of national health policies and accelerate their careers as leaders in health policy.

Second Look: Regulatory/Reimbursement

In case you missed these news items the first time around, AAOS Now gives you a second chance to review them. Links are available online at www.aaos.org/now. Stay current by subscribing to Headline News, the AAOS thrice-weekly online update of news of interest. Headline News brings you the latest on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, as well as important announcements from AAOS. Subscribe to Headline News at www.aaos.org/news/news.