1. Study: Reducing periprosthetic joint infection would offer greatest cost savings for THA.
Findings published online in the journal Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research suggest that periprosthetic joint infections may have a greater negative effect on cost and long-term effectiveness of total hip arthroplasty (THA) than implant longevity. The authors used a Markov model to compare the cost effects of a 10 percent reduction in each of three areas—periprosthetic joint infection, hospital readmission, and aseptic loosening. They found that the net monetary benefit for a 10 percent reduction in periprosthetic joint infections was $278 per index procedure, compared with $113 for a similar reduction in early readmissions, and $174 for reductions in aseptic loosening. The authors note that the results were most sensitive to age, baseline rate of readmission, periprosthetic joint infection, aseptic loosening, and the costs of readmission and revision THA. Read the abstract…
2. Study: How do plate and external fixation compare for distal radius fractures?
A study published in the January issue of the Journal of Hand Surgery compares volar locking plate (VP) fixation with external fixation (EF) of distal radius fractures. The research team conducted a randomized, prospective trial of 74 patients and found that the grip strength of the VP group was significantly greater than that of the EF group at 3 and 6 months. Range of motion was significantly greater in the VP group than in the EF group at 3 months. At 12 months, the research team noted no significant difference in range of motion, grip strength, volar tilt, radial inclination, or Michigan Hand Questionnaire between the two cohorts. The VP group demonstrated superior radiologic outcomes in terms of the ulnar variance, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Read the abstract…
3. Study: Many patients have incorrect expectations about treatment benefits and harms.
Data published online in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that many patients may have unrealistic expectations regarding treatment outcomes. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 35 studies covering 27,323 patients. They found that most participants overestimated intervention benefit and underestimated harm. “Clinicians should discuss accurate and balanced information about intervention benefits and harms with patients,” the researchers write, “providing the opportunity to develop realistic expectations and make informed decisions.” Read more…
Read the abstract…
4. CMS video offers overview of 2014 Open Payments program.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted a video tutorial to provide an overview of the 2014 Open Payments program year, along with general guidance on navigating the Open Payments system. During this 20-minute video, viewers can reacquaint themselves with the reporting process and timeline, get an overview of system enhancements, and learn where to access resources and information. CMS also maintains a resources page to assist stakeholders with the Open Payments system. Read more…
View the video…(registration may be required)
5. Survey: Despite receiving multiple job offers, many residents would choose another field if given the opportunity.
A survey of final-year residents conducted by Merritt Hawkins & Associates® finds that 62 percent of respondents received 50 or more job solicitations, 46 percent received 100 or more. The survey included responses from more than 1,200 medical residents who were about to complete their training and enter the job market. Additional findings include:
25 percent of respondents would choose a field other than medicine if they had to make the choice again
3 percent said that they would prefer to practice in communities of 25,000 people or fewer
2 percent said that they would prefer to work in a solo practice
68 percent said they would prefer employment by a hospital, medical group, or outpatient clinic
Read more (PDF)…
6. Survey finds that many physicians may not attest to state 2 meaningful use of EHRs.
Information released by SERMO—a physician-oriented social network—suggests that many physicians may not attest to stage 2 meaningful use of certified electronic health records (EHRs) during 2015. The site bases its findings on a survey of nearly 2,000 of its members. Overall, 55 percent of respondents said they do not plan to attest to stage 2. Many cited patient engagement, lack of workflow usability, and excessive time consumption as factors in the decision. Read more…
7. Lawsuit claims physicians improperly extended surgical privileges.
According to USA Today, a number of physicians have been named as defendants in federal lawsuits, alleging that they should not have allowed a physician to perform surgery at two hospitals. The physicians served on committees that approved surgical privileges, and they are accused of extending privileges to a surgeon whose professional history allegedly included performing unnecessary procedures and unprofessional conduct. Read more…
8. Call for volunteers: AAOS Now Editorial Board.
Feb. 13 is the last day to submit your application for a position on the AAOS Now Editorial Board (one member-at-large opening—upper extremity focus). The AAOS Now editorial board serves as a strategic planning and content development body for AAOS Now, and its members assist with the acquisition, development, and review of content for the print magazine and associated publications such as AAOS Headline News Now. Applicants for this position must be active fellows, associate members orthopaedic, associate members osteopathic, emeritus fellows, emeritus associate members orthopaedic, emeritus associate members osteopathic, candidate member applicants for fellowship, or candidate member applicants for fellowship osteopathic, with a practice emphasis in upper extremity.
Learn more and submit your application…(member login required)
