Orthopaedic Surgery Helps Keep U.S. Economy Going

Mary Ann Porucznik

As healthcare reform takes shape and healthcare consumers become more cost conscious, evidence-based, cost-effective approaches to what orthopaedic surgeons do can make a big difference in both patient access to care and physician compensation. Looking at just one set of numbers—the projected increase in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries, for example—might well raise eyebrows among insurers, employers, and legislators for several reasons.

What’s Your Practice Worth?

Greg Koonsman, CFA

The introduction of healthcare reform in the United States will make uncertainty a fact of life for physicians and hospitals over the next several years. As a result of heightened uncertainty and risk, orthopaedic surgeons may seek to sell their practices to hospitals or establish joint ventures.

Financial Strategies for Young Physicians

Dave Denniston, CFA

You’ve finally completed your medical education (medical school, residency, and fellowship) and are ready to embark on an orthopaedic career. But how are you going to deal with the debt that you’ve accrued? According to the American Medical School Association, 86 percent of medical school graduates have educational debts totaling between $119,000 and $150,000. As a young orthopaedist, your debt may be even higher.

A Potpourri of Coding Questions

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA, CCS-P, CPC

This column addresses recently asked questions on coding orthopaedic procedures. Remember, you can direct specific coding questions to the AAOS for review by the Coding, Coverage, and Reimbursement Committee and AAOS staff. Visit www.aaos.org/coding for more coding information. Postoperative period services Q: We are a new practice and our coders are new to orthopaedic surgery coding.

Informed Consent: A “New” Form of Medical Liability?

David H. Sohn, JD, MD

The notion of informed consent is actually quite old, dating back to medieval times. Italian, French, and Middle Eastern archives from as early as the 14th century describe pro corpore mortuoto, or “hold harmless documents,” aimed at absolving doctors from responsibility for untoward events in the course of treatment. This concept has evolved to the modern day concept of informed consent, in which physicians discuss the risks of procedures with patients and obtain signed consent forms.

Patient Confidentiality in the Age of Instant Communications

Thomas B. Fleeter, MD

As physicians, we have both a legal and an ethical responsibility to protect the privacy of patient information. This covenant of confidentiality is necessary for our patients to feel comfortable in sharing the full range of their medical information. If we, as physicians, do not have access to the full range of our patients’ medical information, our ability to diagnose and treat would be compromised. Federal law prohibits unauthorized access to confidential medical data.