AAHKS News
The AAHKS News is delivered weekly to members' emails.30th AAHKS Annual Meeting to Proceed as Hybrid
Earlier this week, the AAHKS Board of Directors voted affirmatively that the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting will take place as a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual options for registrants. This year’s Program Committee Chair, R. Michael Meneghini, MD,...
read moreHealth Policy Fellowship Applications Due Soon!
This is how Sharon L. Walton, MD, described her AAHKS Health Policy Fellowship when asked to sum up the experience in five words. AAHKS Health Policy Fellows hone these valuable skills with hands-on opportunities in the health care policy-making process in Washington,...
read moreTHA Challenges Focus of Next FOCAL Webinar
As part of the monthly series of interactive webinars for adult reconstruction fellows and senior residents, the AAHKS FOCAL Committee presents, “Management of Intraoperative Complications in Total Hip Arthroplasty.” Scott M. Sporer, MD, MS, Erik N. Hansen, MD and...
read moreFeatured Industry Symposium: Opioid-Free
Anesthesia Protocols for Opioid-Free Total Joints Friday, November 6, 2020 7:30-9:00 a.m. Medtronic This symposium will highlight the anesthesiologist-surgeon team approach for opioid-free total joint arthroplasty. Review the Industry Symposia...
read moreJoin Arthroplasty Leaders in the Next AAHKS Webinar
Moderator Kevin D. Plancher, MD, MPH invites you to register for the AAHKS webinar, “Enhanced Technologies in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Impact on Current Practice” taking place on September 29, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (Central). Here is the faculty lineup:...
read moreAbstracts in the AAHKS App
AAHKS members can now view the abstracts for podium presentations and symposia that will be presented at the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting. There is an early preview of the abstracts in the new AAHKS app. Exclusive to all AAHKS Members and Annual Meeting attendees, the...
read moreJOA Mentor Program Underway
Not sure how to get started as a journal reviewer? Or not exactly sure how to properly review a journal article? If you are a current adult reconstruction fellow or recent graduate, please consider joining more than two dozen of your peers in the new Journal of...
read moreSpine Surgery and TJR: Comparing Apples and Oranges
An article in OrthoSpine News, “Quality of Life: What Happens When Spine, Adult Reconstructive Surgery Square Off?” breaks down a study published in Spine this month that compared baseline and postoperative outcomes in spine patients and total joint arthroplasty...
read moreFeatured Industry Symposium: Anterior Hips
AA Hip Technology and ASC Friday, November 6, 2020 7:30-9:00 a.m. DePuy Synthes This symposium will feature presentations on anterior approach hips in an ASC setting, the impact of technology and surgeon satisfaction. Discussions will include operational, financial,...
read moreHealthline Writer Journals TKR
Moira McCarthy, a Healthline.com writer and recent total knee replacement (TKR) patient, journaled her perioperative experience at Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth. She provides a first-hand account as well as information about having outpatient TKR surgery. Interviews...
read moreTrending in JOA: Timing Preoperative Work
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed payment policy changes last month that significantly impact hip and knee surgeons by devaluing procedures by 5.4% work RVUs. Authors of the article, “Substantial Preoperative Work Is Unaccounted for in...
read moreJournal Editors Sign Diversity Pledge
“As a surgery journal editor, I pledge to strive for diversity in the peer review process and among the editorial boards and editorial leaders.” A call from Melina R. Kibbe, MD, FACS, FAHA, Journal of the American Medical Association Surgery Editor in Chief, to fellow...
read moreTop AAHKS News Clicks for August 2020
The following articles were the most clicked AAHKS News articles last month: AAHKS Members Can Download Implant Comparison CMS Needs to Hear from You on Proposed TJA Cuts! Fellowship Year Starts with New FOCAL Webinar CMS Proposed Rule Adds Hip Replacement to ASC List...
read moreThe Impact of COVID-19 on AAHKS Members
Latest Survey Results AAHKS is sending a new, refreshed and more focused survey to members by email shortly. Please watch for it in your Inbox and help us by providing your input. This data compares data from the July 2020 survey to the June 2020 survey. Hospitals...
read moreNew AAHKS Amplified Podcast: Impact of Payment Policy Changes
Listen to James I. Huddleston III, MD, AAHKS Health Policy Council Chair and Wilford K. Gibson, MD, AAOS Council on Advocacy Chair and AAHKS member, discuss the payment policy changes that have been proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)....
read moreJoin the JOA Reviewer Mentorship Program
by William G. Hamilton, MD, AAHKS FOCAL Chair and Michael A. Mont, MD, JOA Assistant Editor in Chief Not sure how to get started as a journal reviewer? Or not exactly sure how to properly review a journal article? If you are a current adult reconstruction fellow or...
read moreThis Week’s Featured Industry Symposium: Robotics
Redefining Robotics in Orthopaedics: Real Intelligence and the Connected OR Thursday, November 5, 2020 3:00-5:00 p.m. Smith & Nephew Outpatient total joint arthroplasty is continuing to increase in popularity and application. This session will focus on the use of real...
read moreFellowship Year Starts with New FOCAL Webinar
The Fellows Orthopaedic Continued AAHKS Learning (FOCAL) Committee will kick off the first webinar in a series of free, interactive webinars for arthroplasty fellows and senior residents on August 31, 2020. “How to Review Manuscripts: From Randomized Studies to...
read moreFDA Holds Inaugural Infection Workshop
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has scheduled the first virtual Public Workshop, “Orthopedic Device-Related Infections” for November 13, 2020. AAHKS Research Committee Chair, Javad Parvizi, MD, worked with colleagues on the agenda and selecting faculty for...
read moreOrthopaedic Specialist Visits Down 18%
The Commonwealth Fund published findings on research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic showing the impact on patient visits. With the first report issued in April and followed up in May, June, the latest report issued this month shows many specialties have...
read moreThis Week’s Featured Industry Symposium: Kinematic Alignment
Kinematic Alignment – Personalized Medicine in 2020 Thursday, November 5, 2020 3:00-5:00 p.m. Medacta The ultimate goal in total knee replacement is a procedure that will get patients moving again, pain free, with minimal disruption to their everyday lives. A big part...
read morePodium Presentations and Posters Selected for 30th Annual Meeting
The AAHKS Program Committee has completed its review of submitted abstracts and selected the papers to be presented either at the podium or as posters for the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting. Podium presentations will take place in nine sessions throughout the Meeting...
read moreThank You, Journal Reviewers!
AAHKS wishes to thank the peer reviewers who dedicate their time to the Journal of Arthroplasty (JOA) and Arthroplasty Today (AT). Both journals have seen a substantial increase in submissions so far this year. Reviewers have met the challenge and continue to keep...
read moreCMS Needs to Hear From You on Proposed TJA Cuts!
Earlier this month the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. The proposal significantly impacts hip and knee surgeons by devaluing the primary procedures you perform by 5.4% work RVUs....
read moreAAHKS Signs Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute Regulation Letter
AAHKS signed on with more than 120 other health care organizations in writing to President Trump in support of proposed reforms and modernization to the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) regulations. The letter states “these improvements will foster...
read moreThis Week’s Featured Industry Symposium: Digital Health
Data Driven Decision Making in THA and TKA Thursday, November 5, 2020 3:00-5:00 p.m. Corin Digital technologies are transforming the way we treat total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. This session will showcase emerging, connected technologies with the potential to...
read moreCMS Proposes Cuts to Total Joint Arthroplasty
On August 4, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule for the 2021 calendar year. The proposal significantly impacts hip and knee surgeons and their health care professional teams by devaluing the procedures...
read moreCMS Proposed Rule Adds Hip Replacement to ASC List
CMS also released the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System proposed rule for 2021. Here CMS has proposed the elimination of the inpatient only list (IPO), which would mean removal of nearly...
read moreDiversity Committee Formed, Call for Volunteers
To take an active stance in addressing the lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the orthopaedic subspecialty of hip and knee arthroplasty, the AAHKS Board of Directors has approved the formation of the Diversity Advisory Board (DAB). This board of volunteers will be...
read moreAAHKS Members Can Download Implant Comparison
The “2020 Hip and Knee Implant Review” published by Orthopedic Network News (ONN) is now available for downloading. This annual issue includes a side-by-side comparison of implant pricing among the various manufacturers. The 2020 issue also features: The 2020 WW Hip...
read moreTop AAHKS News Clicks for July 2020
The following AAHKS News items were the most clicked in July: Download Exercise Guides from AAHKS We Have a New App! AJRR Offers Pathway to Advanced Joint Commission Certification AAHKS Comments on Hip Fracture DRGs Follow AAHKS Health & Safety Updates Read the AAHKS...
read moreThis Week’s Featured Industry Symposium: Tips, Tricks, Ergonomics
Techniques of Total Joint Arthroplasty Thursday, November 5, 2020 1:30-3:30 p.m. Stryker This is a special symposium offered in partnership with the Women in Arthroplasty Committee. Tips and tricks for performing primary and revision total joint arthroplasty,...
read moreDownload Exercise Guides from AAHKS
To accompany the videos that demonstrate physical therapy exercises to do after hip and knee replacement surgery, the AAHKS Patient and Public Relations Committee has published printable guides. The exercises in the guides are represented with photos and step-by-step...
read moreLast Day to Submit for FARE Grant
The deadline to submit a letter of intent (LOI) for the next Foundation for Arthroplasty Research and Education (FARE) grant is 11:59 p.m. on August 1, 2020. The LOIs will be reviewed by the Research Committee, and they will make their decisions within two weeks....
read moreAOA Honors Distinguished Contributions of John J. Callaghan, MD
The American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) announced that John J. Callaghan, MD is the recipient of the 2020 AOA Distinguished Contributions to Orthopaedics Award. Dr. Callaghan was nominated by peers for his leadership and accomplishments in the specialty. During his...
read moreAAHKS Joins Call to Congress Against Surprise Medical Billing Legislation
This week AAHKS joined the American Medical Association and more than 110 other state and specialty societies in opposing efforts to include any surprise medical billing provisions in the COVID-19 legislation that is under discussion currently in the U.S. Congress....
read moreFeatured Industry Symposium: IV NSAID
Potential Role of a Once-Daily Intravenous Non-Opioid Option Thursday, November 5, 2020 12:30-2:30 p.m. Baudax Bio, Inc. Despite advances in surgical techniques over the past several decades, moderate to severe postoperative pain continues to be a widespread and...
read moreWe Have a New App!
Exclusive to AAHKS Members and Annual Meeting attendees, the new AAHKS app will allow you to engage with the AAHKS community not only at AAHKS meetings and events, but also year-round no matter where you are in the world! Create your profile to connect with colleagues...
read moreCARES Act Relief Application Deadline Extended
The deadline for application by eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) physicians and organizations for funds from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund has been extended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to August 3....
read moreAAHKS Signs CMS Emergency Waivers Letter
This week AAHKS joined the AMA and more than 100 other specialty and state medical societies in writing to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in support of temporary waivers for health care providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The...
read moreAJRR Offers Pathway to Advanced Joint Commission Certification
The American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) is the sole pathway to achieve The Joint Commission’s registry requirement for Total Hip and Knee Surgery Advanced Certification. Updated in 2020, the AJRR data specifications include data elements for the Advanced...
read moreKnee Osteoarthritis Foot Pain Relieved with Vitamin D
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis who took vitamin D supplements experienced significant relief from disabling foot pain. The two-year study, as reported by Orthopedics Today, found “the mean MFPDI...
read moreFeatured Industry Symposium: Negative Pressure Therapy
Thursday, November 5, 2020 12:30-2:30 p.m. 3M/KCI Wound complications are reported in up to 10% of hip and knee arthroplasties. The incidence of postoperative wound complications is influenced by diabetes, obesity, quality of soft tissues, use of steroids, soft tissue...
read moreCall for Nominations to AAHKS Board, Committee
The AAHKS Nominating Committee has put out a call for nominations to the following positions: Third Vice President (1) Secretary (1) Member-at-Large (2) Member, Nominating Committee (3) Nominees must hold Fellow membership status with AAHKS. Nominate yourself by...
read moreFollow AAHKS 2020 Health & Safety Updates
As you make plans to attend the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting in Dallas this November, we want to be sure you have the information you need regarding modifications to the Meeting to ensure the health and safety of attendees. The Annual Meeting website has a list of...
read moreWe Need Your Photos!
Advancing patient care is our mission, and we are creating an image library of AAHKS members with their patients doing just that. Photos may be included in AAHKS member publications, Annual Meeting publications, AAHKS websites and social media. If you have photos you...
read moreAAHKS Comments on Hip Fracture DRGs
AAHKS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding their proposed rule for FY2021 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment systems (IPPS). Within the proposed rule, CMS delineated development of two new proposed DRGs for...
read moreThis Week’s Featured Industry Symposium: Medial-Pivot Design
Thursday, November 5, 2020 12:30-2:30 p.m. MicroPort Orthopedics, Inc. In recent years, medial-pivot or medial-congruent designs for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have become increasingly popular. The objective of this symposium is to share a critical analysis of...
read moreClarivate Releases JOA Impact Factor
by John J. Callaghan, MD, JOA Editor in Chief Clarivate Web of Science has released their Journal Citation Reports 2020. Although there are a number of companies that rate the impact of scientific journals, Clarivate’s impact factor has received the most notoriety....
read moreArthroplasty Today Adds New Social Media Editor
The AAHKS Board of Directors approved a new Social Media Editor position for the Arthroplasty Today Editorial Board. LTC Jaime L. Bellamy, DO, MS started her new position on July 1, 2020. Dr. Bellamy is Chief of the Orthopaedics Service at Womack Army Medical Center...
read moreAAHKS Signs Scope of Practice Letter to VA
On June 24, AAHKS joined the American Medical Association (AMA) and more than 85 other specialty and state societies expressing concerns about the Health Care Practice in Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Memorandum published by the Under Secretary of Health on April 21, 2020....
read moreLetter to HHS Requests Help in Financial Distress
AAHKS joined the AMA and 100 other medical societies in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar “under the public health emergency declaration to preserve patient access to care and mitigate financial distress due to the pandemic” by implementing the RUC...
read moreAAHKS Supports Health Care Workers’ Mental Health Resources
In May, AAHKS joined more than 50 health care organizations in supporting Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s (D-ILL) Congressional colleague letter, which called for developing a Health and Human Resources (HHS) grant program to allow health care workers and facilities...
read moreCMS Announces Provider Relief in Quality Payment Program
At the end of June, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced “flexibilities for clinicians participating in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2020,” for providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic....
read moreAJRR Surpasses 2M Procedures
The American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Registry Program announced that it surpassed its two millionth hip and knee procedure with the input of data from Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. David D. Lewallen, MD,...
read moreNew FOCAL Committee to Enhance Training
The AAHKS Board of Directors approved the formation of a new committee last month that will build from the Fellows Orthopaedic Continued AAHKS Learning (FOCAL) initiative. After elective surgery halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic, AAHKS leaders quickly created...
read moreAAHKS Comments on CJR Extension Proposed Rule
This week AAHKS submitted comments regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule to extend the Comprehensive Care Joint Replacement (CJR) Model Three Year Extension and Changes to Episode Definition and Pricing. The proposed rule seeks to...
read moreDear AAHKS Members, Thank You for Your Advocacy!
Last week, AAHKS sought assistance from members in circulating a letter authored by Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL), Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) urging CMS to maintain current reimbursement for total hip and knee arthroplasty....
read moreMaking the Anterior Approach More Approachable
MicroPort While the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has excellent clinical outcomes, there are compromises associated with this approach, including the need for short femoral stems and offset instrumentation. In this session, surgeon faculty will...
read moreHigher Percentage of Members Report Back to Work
AAHKS has completed the fourth member survey on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the practice of hip and knee replacement surgery. This survey focused on continued change and re-opening plans and processes. Here are some of the data we have collected: 61% all...
read moreRead JOA Proceedings of the 2019 AAHKS Annual Meeting
James A. Browne, MD, 2019 AAHKS Annual Meeting Program Chair, invites readers to the Proceedings now published in the Journal of Arthroplasty. Content includes full manuscripts of the three AAHKS Award papers, four symposia and more than 50 paper presentations. Review...
read moreJune Issue Marks Arthroplasty Today Milestone
Arthroplasty Today Editor-in-Chief Gregory J. Golladay, MD, notes a milestone in the AAHKS publication now in its sixth year, “The June 2020 issue marks the first in the history of Arthroplasty Today to be published with article-based publishing. This means that the...
read moreKnee Replacement Surgery: A Patient Journey
The newest educational video from AAHKS follows the journey of one patient as she anticipates knee replacement surgery. The video illustrates the sections of the knee and when joint disease indicates whether a patient may need a partial knee replacement or a total...
read moreInvitation – Dr. Roger Marshall Virtual Event
Fellow physician and Congressman Roger Marshall, MD currently serves in the 1st Congressional District of Kansas. As a physician and leader for hip and knee surgeons, we wanted to provide a unique opportunity to support one of our own and put more doctors in the U.S....
read moreRoger Marshall June 22
June 22 AAHKS Virtual Marshall Invite Representative Roger Marshall Bio Roger Marshall...
read moreRequest to Members: Write Congress Regarding Reimbursement
Congressional champions on the issue of reimbursement need help from members of AAHKS to recruit Members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join their letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Representatives Terri Sewell (D-AL), Brad...
read moreAJRR Collecting COVID-19 Data
Effective immediately, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) Registry Program is collecting COVID-19 data through the capture of the ICD-10 code for COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis: U07.1. The new code is enabled across each of the AAOS registries,...
read moreDAA Study in JOA Sparks Discussion
The article, “A Comparison of Risk of Dislocation and Cause-Specific Revision Between Direct Anterior and Posterior Approach Following Elective Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty,” published in the June issue of the Journal of Arthroplasty (JOA) compares the...
read moreWhat is my hip replacement made of?
AAHKS Patient and Public Relations Chair, Brett R. Levine, MD, narrates the first in a series of videos for patients that provide clear explanation of topics in hip and knee replacement surgery. The video, “What is my hip replacement made of?” explains and shows the...
read moreAAHKS Signs on to Provider Protection Bill Letter
AAHKS joined the American Medical Association and more than 130 other specialty and state medical societies in writing to U.S. House and U.S. Senate leaders expressing our support for the bipartisan H.R. 7059 bill, the “Coronavirus Provider Protection Act,” which...
read moreHHS to Distribute Additional Provider Relief Funds
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced this week that it is distributing additional funds from the Provider Relief Fund through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Funds will be made available to eligible Medicaid and...
read moreA Message from the AAHKS President
This Year’s Abstract Submissions Top 2019
In a year that saw elective surgeries suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and bring arthroplasty practice to all but a halt, research prevailed. By the deadline on Monday night, more abstracts were submitted for the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting than ever before. It’s...
read moreThe Next AAHKS Webinar: Tips to Modernize Your Practice
Moderator Anna R. Cohen-Rosenblum, MD invites AAHKS members to the next webinar, “Practice Made Perfect: Tips to Modernize Your Practice.” Attendees will learn: Effective ways to use social media, videos and podcasts to enhance your practice. How to implement and...
read moreAAHKS Comments on CJR Final Rule
This week AAHKS submitted comment to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its interim final rule with comment period (IFC) to give Medicare providers needed flexibilities to respond effectively to the serious public health threats posed by the spread...
read moreAAHKS Representatives Attend Virtual BOS Meeting
The AAOS National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference (NOLC) was supposed to be held this week in Washington, DC, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference has gone virtual. AAHKS Third Vice President David A. Halsey, MD and AAHKS Board of Orthopaedic Specialties...
read moreTop AAHKS News Clicks for May 2020
The following articles were the most clicked last month: Arthroplasty Practice Resumes Arthroplasty During the COVID-19 Pandemic Removal of TKA from IPO Foreshadows THA and Spine Surgery CMS Reevaluates Accelerated and Advanced Payment Programs Visit the AAHKS News...
read moreLast Weekend to Submit Abstracts for AAHKS 2020
This is the last call to submit abstracts for consideration by the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting Program Committee. Abstracts will be selected for podium and poster content to be presented at the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting taking place in Dallas. Abstracts are due by 11:59...
read moreAAHKS is On
Plans for the 30th AAHKS Annual Meeting are proceeding in an unprecedented way this year as the AAHKS Program Committee adjusts for a safe, socially responsible gathering. R. Michael Meneghini, MD, Program Chair, invites you on behalf of AAHKS President C. Lowry...
read moreCMS Releases IPPS Proposed Rule
On May 11, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule that updates payment policies, payment rates and quality provisions for service furnished under the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) for acute and...
read moreCOVID-19 Relief Interim Final Rule includes Regulatory Changes
CMS published an interim final rule that makes regulatory and policy changes to various aspects of the Medicare and Medicaid programs in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The regulatory changes went into effect on May 8, 2020. This is the second...
read moreWatch Replay of Return to Practice Webinar
The recording of the AAHKS webinar, “The Effects of COVID-19 on Arthroplasty Practice: Where do we go from here?,” is now available here. Moderators Jeffrey B. Stambough, MD and C. Lowry Barnes, MD covered arthroplasty practice transformations due to the COVID-19...
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New AAHKS Podcast: Value-Based Care
AAHKS leaders in the value-based care space discuss their work with CMS and how they address value-based care in their institutions. Topics How value-based care came about Challenges in arthroplasty practice Removal of total hip and total knee arthroplasty from the...
read moreArthroplasty Research Featured from AAOS 2020
Orthopedics Today covers research submitted to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2020 Annual Meeting in a channel dedicated to the event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Articles include interviews with authors and editorial perspectives. The...
read moreMajority of Patients Tested for COVID-19 Prior to TJA
The latest survey of AAHKS members taken during the COVID-19 pandemic includes feedback on the return to elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Members reported on surgical safeguards, new protocols and financial relief. These are a few highlights: 11% performing...
read moreDr. Barnes and Dr. Marshall Discuss Pandemic Impact, Physician Burden
AAHKS President C. Lowry Barnes, MD met with U.S. Congressman Roger Marshall, MD (KS-1st District) to discuss several issues important to AAHKS members. The discussion included the economic and practice impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on AAHKS members and their...
read moreAAHKS Member Running for U.S. Congress in Oregon Needs Your Help
AAHKS Member Knute C. Buehler, MD is running for Congress in Oregon’s 2nd District for the seat being vacated by Congressman Greg Walden. The primary election, which is going on now and closing May 19, will likely determine the winner in the general election. Dr....
read moreCAS 101 for Patients
This excerpt from a new article in the patient education library that covers the basics of computer assisted surgery: Historically, the majority of patients have been satisfied with their joint replacements using conventional methods. Technology is another tool that...
read moreArthroplasty Practice Resumes
With many statewide executive orders allowing elective surgeries to resume in phases, hip and knee arthroplasty is resuming at many institutions. Ten surgeon leaders shared their strategies for ramping back up in a conversation with Becker’s Spine Review. Also this...
read moreCMS Raises Reimbursement for Telephone Visits
Last week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued another round of regulatory waivers, which included raising reimbursement for physicians and other health care providers for audio-only Medicare telephone visits. CMS is “increasing payments for these...
read moreCARES Act Paperwork Submission Deadline Extended
CMS announced this week that they have extended the deadline for acceptance of terms and conditions for receiving CARES Act relief funding from 30 to 45 days. Per CMS, “As an example, the initial 30-day deadline for providers who received payment on April 10, 2020, is...
read moreListen to New AAHKS Podcasts
A new AAHKS Amplified podcast provides listeners with an inside glimpse into how AAHKS continues to advocate for surgeons in Washington, D.C. In “The 2020 AAHKS Advocacy Agenda,” learn how the AAHKS Advocacy Committee pivots from concentrating on CMS payment policies...
read moreEstablishing Telemedicine in TJA Practice
The article, “Establishing Telemedicine in an Academic Total Joint Arthroplasty Practice: Needs and Opportunities Highlighted by the COVID-19 Pandemic,” published in Arthroplasty Today provides practical guidance for introducing telemedicine into total joint...
read moreVote AAHKS Members to AAOS Nominating Committee
Voting is now open to elect five members of the AAOS Nominating Committee that will be chaired by William J. Maloney III, MD. Among the candidates, there are 23 AAHKS members including five presidents: Lowry Barnes, MD Daniel J. Berry, MD Jack M. Bert, MD Russell J....
read moreCMS “Reevaluates” Accelerated and Advanced Payment Programs
This week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced they are reevaluating the Accelerated Payment Program and suspending the Advanced Payment Program to Part B suppliers. These are loan programs, not grants, for health care providers and suppliers...
read moreSpring FARE Grant Awards Two Studies
The Foundation for Arthroplasty Research and Education (FARE) has announced the recipients of two FARE grants for the spring 2020 cycle. “Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence MRI Abnormalities in Asymptomatic Patients with Dual Mobility Hip Prostheses,” submitted by Jay...
read moreRemoval of TKA from IPO Foreshadows THA and Spine Surgery
In an interview with Orthopedics Today, AAHKS President C. Lowry Barnes, MD and AAHKS First Vice President Richard Iorio, MD talk about the long-range implications of removing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on patients and the health care system. “Some sources who...
read moreSingle-Center Analysis of Analgesic Drug Use after TJA
A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy sought to identify risk factors for the increased use of opioids and other analgesics one year after hip or knee replacement surgery. The single-center study, involving analysis of 13,000 hip and knee replacement cases...
read moreTop AAHKS News Clicks for April 2020
These articles were the most clicked in April 2020: AAHKS Letter to HHS Details COVID-19 Impact on Surgeons AAHKS Publishes CPGs on Perioperative Anesthesia and Analgesia JOA Special COVID-19 Supplement The COVID-19 Effect on Arthroplasty Practice: Where do we go from...
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JOA Special COVID-19 Supplement
Articles on the COVID-19 pandemic are published online as part of a special Journal of Arthroplasty supplement. Articles covering resuming practice, outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty, first-hand experiences, effect on practices, educating patients, digital...
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