Improving Transfer of Information to Optimize Patient Safety

Andrew W. Grose, MD

The competing demands of mastering minutiae and working expeditiously create tension for many healthcare providers. Efforts to satisfy both these goals often involve negotiating "efficiency-thoroughness trade-offs," a normal process wherein providers strike a balance between productivity and safety. This is particularly evident when providing patient information during transitions of care.

Tips for Evaluating and Obtaining Employment

Bishoy Gad, MD, MS, MBA; Paul M. Saluan, MD; Alan W. Davis, MD

After spending 10 years in medical school, residency, and fellowship, most new orthopaedists feel appropriately trained to perform surgical procedures. However, little of that education is devoted to some of the most important aspects of the profession, including how to find a job that fits the individual, how to navigate the negotiation process, and how to develop a foundation for a strong practice.

PA and NP Billing: Are You Doing It Correctly?

Sarah Wiskerchen, MBA, CPC

The effective use of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioner (NPs) in an orthopaedic practice requires an understanding of key billing rules that apply to these nonphysician providers (NPPs). Compare your practice's internal procedures to the following common questions and answers. The guidelines referenced are for Medicare claims; other payers may have different rules. The Medicare scenarios and guidelines described in this article apply the same way to both PAs and NPs.

Orthopaedic Impact Study Pays Dividends to Missouri Economy

Doug Kiburz, MD; Akin Cil, MD

If your state's director of economic development announced that he or she had brought an industry to the state that would generate $1.79 billion in total economic output and $28 million in state taxes while supporting 11,000 jobs, it would certainly be statewide news. Here in Missouri, the Show-Me State, that is exactly what happened.

Risk Evaluation and Management Strategies for Prescribing Opioids

Stephanie Hazlett

During the AAOS Annual Meeting, experts discussed the epidemic of opioid drug use, misuse, and abuse in the United States, and focused on ways in which orthopaedic surgeons can practice safe and effective pain management for their patients. "Risk Evaluation and Management Strategies for Prescribing Opioids," a symposium moderated by began with a presentation by David H. Sohn, MD, JD, who explored the complicated legal landscape that has developed around physicians' prescribing habits.

Clinical Quality and the Pathway to Payment

Jackie Ryan

On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, George F. Muschler, MD, vice chair of the Performance Measures Committee (PMC), moderated the symposium "Clinical Quality and the Pathway to Payment" at the 2016 AAOS Annual Meeting. Dr.