Michael MacKechnie, MD, FAAOS
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon
Enterprise Director, Orthopaedic Informatics
Director, Documentation Excellence, Integrated Surgical Institute
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, VCOM
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Stuart, FL
Member Since: 2022
How has the AAOS helped you throughout your career?
The AAOS has been a constant thread from residency through practice. I've enjoyed attending Annual Meetings to remain connected with colleagues and learn about the newest evidence impacting my practice. I find the coding and education resources invaluable to my informatics work, where I focus on helping orthopaedic surgeons and advanced practice providers document appropriately and get credit for the complexity of the care that they provide.
As an Active Fellow Member, which AAOS resources do you use most and why?
I appreciate the OrthoInfo patient information materials, which I share in clinic. I also use the coding and reimbursement materials which directly support my documentation and coding work.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“Never outgrow the fundamentals.” An excellent surgeon I worked with kept an open anatomy book on his desk after decades of practice and would consult it often. I wondered why he would study basic anatomy when he was such an excellent surgeon. I realized the reason for his skill was that he continuously reviewed the basics.
What’s your go-to productivity trick?
Appropriate templates. If I notice I type something more than once, I will often create a template or automation to help me document correctly in less time. I am careful to ensure that I use these tools appropriately and never document something that did not happen.
What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?
Working out regularly, whether it’s weights, HIIT, or running. I try and practice the same healthy lifestyle I suggest to my patients.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?
I love trail running and mountain biking, and although Florida is quite flat, there are many wonderful local parks with varied and interesting terrain. I love taking my wife and kids to the beach and pool.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that not many people know?
I spent time training in Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Cambridge (UK).
I also have a personal website to assist medical professionals with documentation and correct coding: PhysicianCodingGuide.com