Today’s Top Story
HHS rule would extend CJR to include other hip procedures; new bundled payments could qualify as Advanced APMS.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule to increase the use of episode payment models such as the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model (CJR). Among other things, the rule extends the existing CJR to include other hip surgeries. The proposal also includes a pathway for physicians with significant participation in bundled payment models to qualify for payment incentives under the proposed Quality Payment Program. CMS states that the CJR, along with other bundled payment models in the proposed rule, could qualify as Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) for physicians who collaborate with participating hospitals. Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted for 60 days following its publication in the Federal Register. Read more…
Read the proposed rule…
Learn more about episode payment models…
Other News
CMS to host conference call to discuss changes to Open Payments system.
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is planning a Special Open Door Forum conference call to obtain comments from stakeholders regarding future rulemaking and other enhancements to the Open Payments (Sunshine Act) program. The call will take place Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. To participate, call 1-800-837-1935 and use the conference ID 44678813. Read more…
View the associated slides (PDF)…
Learn more about CMS Special Open Door Forums…
Study: Use of intraoperative arthroscopy may improve visualization of fracture fragment displacement for some patients with complex tibial plateau fracture.
Findings from a small study published in the August issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma suggest that intraoperative arthroscopy may help improve visualization of fracture fragment displacement for certain patients with complex tibial plateau fracture. The authors conducted a prospective, observational study of 17 consecutive patients with complex, bicondylar tibial plateau fracture who were seen at a single level 1 trauma center. All patients were treated with open fracture reduction with fluoroscopic guidance. In 7 patients, open reduction and fluoroscopy resulted in satisfactory fracture reduction. However, in the remaining 10 patients, subsequent “fracturoscopy” displayed persistent fracture depression, with the need for intraoperative correction. The authors found that patients in the fracturoscopy group demonstrated significantly greater preoperative fragment depression and a larger preoperative fracture gap compared with patients who achieved satisfactory reduction under fluoroscopy. Further, they note that fluoroscopy was not successful in achieving satisfactory reduction in patients whose postero-latero-central region was affected. Read the abstract…
FDA upgrades warning labels for fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved changes to the warning labels of fluoroquinolone antibacterial drugs intended for systemic use. The agency has determined that “fluoroquinolones should be reserved for use in patients who have no other treatment options for acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections because the risk of these serious side effects generally outweighs the benefits in these patients.” Fluoroquinolone labels already contain a Boxed Warning for tendinitis, tendon rupture, and worsening of myasthenia gravis, as well as warnings regarding risks of peripheral neuropathy and central nervous system effects, and cardiac, dermatologic, and hypersensitivity reactions. Read more…
Read the FDA safety alert…
Act now to nominate future AAOS leadership!
The 2017 Nominating Committee is actively soliciting your suggestions for individuals to serve in the following positions:
- Second Vice President
- Member-at-Large [No Age Designation]
- Member-at-Large [Under Age 45] (younger than age 45 on March 16, 2017)
- National Membership Committee Member
Nominations close Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. Nominations may be submitted by mail to Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, chair, 2017 Nominating Committee, c/o AAOS Office of General Counsel, 9400 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Ill. 60018, or (preferred) electronically. Descriptions of the responsibilities, desired experience, and time commitments associated with the positions are available online. Learn more about the positions and access the nomination form…
August AAOS Now is online now and in your mailbox soon!
AAOS members will soon receive the print edition of the August issue of AAOS Now, but the online edition is already available on the AAOS Now website. This month’s issue includes information on the AAOS response to the CMS proposed rule on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), an article on women in orthopaedics, a look at medical performance measures, and much more! Read more…
Read “AAOS Comments on the MACRA Proposed Rule”…
Read “Women in Orthopaedics: The Attraction Is Mutual”…
Read “Measuring Up: Defining Performance Measures”…
Call for volunteers: Annual Meeting Committee.
Aug. 15 is the last day to submit your application for a position on the Annual Meeting Committee. The Annual Meeting Committee plans and implements the AAOS Annual Meeting. The following openings are available:
- Resident-at-large
- Member-at-large
Applicants for the resident position must be PGY-2, PGY-3, or PGY-4 and provide a letter of support from the residency program director. Applicants for the member position must be active fellows with an interest in the AAOS Annual Meeting. Learn more and submit your application…(member login required)
