AAOS Advocacy Podcast

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently went through a comprehensive multi-year process to re-imagine its core focus and aspirational state to be the trusted leaders in advancing musculoskeletal health. Members of the AAOS Presidential Line provide behind-the-scenes perspective that explores the need for change, and how these changes provide a foundation for greater collaboration, innovation, learning opportunities and benefits for current and future members, patients and the larger musculoskeletal community. More on AAOS’ proposed governance changes: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/proposed-governance-changes/ Moving Forward: AAOS Board of Directors Approves New Strategic Plan, (AAOS Now, April 2024): https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2024/march-april/commentary/commentary01/   Look Towards the Future, (AAOS Now, August 2024), https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2024/aug/youraaos/youraaos01 Host:  Valerae O. Lewis, MD, FAAOS, AAOS Membership Council Chair  Guests:  Paul Tornetta III, MD, PhD, FAAOS, AAOS President   Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD, FAAOS, AAOS First Vice President   Joel Mayerson, MD, FAAOS, FAOA, AAOS Board of Councilors Chair

This episode covers an array of topics related to increasing consolidation within the healthcare system, from banning non-competes to tightening cybersecurity. OrthoForum CEO Karen Simonton offers her perspective and wealth of knowledge, having worked with orthopaedic groups over the last decade, on how this changing landscape is impacting private practices and their ability to provide care.   Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council Guest: Karen Simonton, CEO, OrthoForum

Comedian and ophthalmologist Dr. Will Flanary, better known as Dr. Glaucomflecken by his 4 million followers on social media, recently sat down for an exclusive interview during the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting. He shared his story of going from patient to accidental healthcare advocate and explained how he uses medical satire to entertain and bring attention to key public policy issues.    Guest: Will Flanary, MD, AKA Dr. Glaucomflecken, comedian and opthamologist  Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council 

Recorded on Monday, February 12 at the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting, this episode sits down with the current and former chairs of the AAOS Orthopaedic PAC to celebrate its 25th anniversary. They discuss its new logo and tagline, key milestones and advocacy victories over the years, the importance of political engagement for physicians, as well as on-site opportunities at the meeting for AAOS members to learn more. Guests: Wayne Johnson MD, FAAOS, FACS, Chair, AAOS Orthopaedic PAC; Stuart Weinstein, MD, FAAOS, Past-Chair, AAOS Orthopaedic PAC  Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

In this episode, returning guest and health policy researcher Brian Miller, MD, talks about the opportunity physicians have to improve care for patients outside of their regular practice. From engaging in advocacy efforts to lending their unique perspective in policy discussions, doctors can be instrumental in finding creative solutions to today’s challenges like artificial intelligence, vertically integrated systems and stark law reform.    Guest: Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, Nonresident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute  Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council 

In this episode, we talk about the future of orthopaedics and the policy challenges facing our newest surgeons. Resident leader Kevin Weisz, MD, who recently attended the National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., shares his perspective on issues such as prior authorization, safety in the workplace, as well as reimbursement.  Guest: Kevin Weisz, MD, Member, Health Policy Committee and PAC Executive Council Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

Now more than ever, physicians are experiencing instability and uncertainty in their payment reimbursement. This episode addresses the gap between physician reimbursements and the rising costs of running a medical practice continues to widen in addition to other important legislative issues.     Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) has been a champion for finding a long-term solution to put physicians back on level playing field with the rising costs of medicine. As a lead sponsor of Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 2474) she’s helping to avoid a yearly race to get Congress to intervene and protect patients’ access to Medicare.    Guests: Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02)  Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council 

As the shift towards value-based healthcare reform gains momentum, there will be major strategic and organizational changes to how care delivery is redesigned, measured, and reimbursed. This episode delves into the realm of value-based care, exploring fundamental concepts related to alternative payment models in clinical orthopaedics, and how Patient Reported Outcome Measures impact individual patient care, as well as their role in new population health measures with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.   Guests: Eric Makhni, MD, MBA, FAAOS with the Henry Ford Health  and Prakash Jayakumar, MD, PHD with the University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School  Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council 

Episode Summary: The House of Delegates is the legislative and policy-making body within the American Medical Association (AMA). In this episode, orthopaedic surgeon and AMA Board of Trustees Member Dr. Michael Suk explains how the specialty is represented within the House of Medicine and how initiatives to advance the quality of musculoskeletal care are shared by both organizations.  More on the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians can be found here.   Guest: Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA, FAAOS, Chair-elect, American Medical Association  Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council  

Lengthy prior authorization processes delay care for patients and contribute to physician burnout. Using Texas as a case study, this episode explains how solutions like the federal version of the state’s GOLD Card law would streamline approvals for medically necessary care as well as make insurance requirements more electronic and transparent.  More on AAOS’ prior authorization advocacy efforts: aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/prior-authorization Previous podcast episode on prior authorization: aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-19 2023 Orthopaedic Advocacy Week: aaos.org/advocacy/get-involved/orthopaedic-advocacy-week Guest: Christine Kean, COO, The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

Innovation in orthopaedic care faces stiff headwinds, but the relationships among stakeholders are not zero-sum. Following the in-person AAOS/FDA Townhall during the 2023 AAOS Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, leaders from both organizations sat down for an intimate conversation on the ways we can evolve together to improve patient care. They emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and reliable data to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of the field. Listen as we delve into the topic of innovation in orthopaedic medical devices, products and technology. More from AAOS on devices. Biologics and technology: https://www.aaos.org/quality/biologics/ More on AAOS’ advocacy efforts: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/federal-advocacy-issues/drugs-devices-and-fda/ Guests: David Jevsevar, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair of Research and Quality Council, AAOS; Captain Raquel Peat, PhD, MPH, Director, Office of Orthopedic Devices, FDA Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

The debate over the pros and cons of physician-owned hospitals has spanned over a decade. Now as momentum builds in Congress to repeal restrictions on their growth and expansion, this episode explains how they help meet a growing demand for services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and are an important piece of increasing competition in the healthcare delivery system. Previous episode on physician-owned hospitals: https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-7/ Guest: Blake Curd, MD, FAAOS, Past President of Physician Hospitals of America Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

It has been two years since the No Surprises Act was passed into law, yet it continues to face numerous legal challenges and iterations of rulemaking with regards to implementation. This episode dives into the latest developments and discusses what is and is not working with a guest expert focused on independent dispute resolution for healthcare professionals. More on AAOS Advocacy on this issue: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/surprise-billing/ Learn more about HaloMD: https://halomd.com/ Guest: Alla LaRoque, President, HaloMD Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOrthA, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

In his last episode as podcast host and chair of the AAOS Advocacy Council, Dr. Douglas Lundy passes the torch to orthopaedic spine surgeon Dr. Adam Bruggeman. Recorded live at the 2023 Annual Meeting, Drs. Lundy and Bruggeman run through some of the most pressing issues threatening musculoskeletal care. Guest: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, Incoming Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council  Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Outgoing Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council 

As we approach International Women’s Day 2023, this episode from the vault discusses the power that women bring to orthopaedic advocacy. AAOS leader, political pro, and seasoned advocate Claudette Lajam, MD, FAAOS, explains how their unique empathy towards patients and perspective on issues are invaluable to policy discussions and advancing musculoskeletal care. According to Dr. Lajam, it’s a matter of having women at the table, being aware of opportunities, and contributing in a way that pulls on each individual’s strengths.   Guest: Claudette Lajam, MD, FAAOS, NYU Langone Orthopedic Center Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

This episode features a conversation with two physician members of Congress: U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08), who spent 15 years in the private sector as a cardiothoracic surgeon, and Greg Murphy, MD (NC-03) who is a practicing urologist. They discuss how the Healthy Future Task Force is tackling policy problems in the 118th Congress and what's on the agenda for the Doctor/Patient Relationship Subcommittee, designed to empower Americans to have a personalized health care plan. Guests: U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08) and Greg Murphy, MD (NC-03) Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

A myriad of important health policy decisions impacting orthopaedic surgery are made at the state-level, including health insurance regulation, certificate-of-need and scope of practice issues, to name only a few. In this episode, orthopaedic hand surgeon and Georgia State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, FAAOS shares her perspective on state advocacy, the importance of being engaged on state issues, and the recently passed legislation to reform prior authorization.  Guest: The Honorable Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, FAAOS, Senator, Georgia State Senate Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

Following the 2022 midterm election, AAOS political experts recap how candidates supported by the Orthopaedic PAC fared, as well as the new physician leaders elected to Congress. They explain the importance of the lame duck session and how Congress has the opportunity to pass two bills before the end of the year that are critically important to the musculoskeletal community. Resources Pre-election podcast episode: aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-35/ AAOS Advocacy Action Center: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center Episode on 2023 payment policy changes: aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-34/ Guests: Catherine Hayes, AAOS Senior Legislative Director; Brittany Starr, AAOS Senior Political Director Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

In this episode recorded just weeks out from the 2022 midterm election, AAOS’ Senior Political Director breaks down the physicians currently in Congress, those at risk for re-election, and new candidates vying for office. They explain the importance of physician representation at the federal level for key decision-making as well as civic engagement for the future of the profession.Joint Policy Card for 117th Congress: https://indd.adobe.com/view/b5a3dd6d-255c-43d0-8fa8-0da782d4b906 More about the AAOS PAC: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/pac/ Guest: Brittany Starr, AAOS Senior Political Director Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

In this episode, advocacy leaders from the AAOS review proposed payment policy changes for 2023 in the inpatient and outpatient setting including ongoing cuts to reimbursement in the annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. They summarize each of the three regulatory rules, highlight changes specific to musculoskeletal care, then discuss the careful balance between stabilizing the system in the short-term while working towards a permanent fix that addresses growing health care costs and incentivizes value-based care.  Guest: Karl Koenig (Texas), MD, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Health Care Systems Committee Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council Notes: Issue page in the AAOS Advocacy Action Center: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/payment-policy-changes/ Episode 23 - Economic Effects of Medicare Pay Cuts (recorded Oct. 2021): https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-23/ Special Episode - Impact of Payment Policy Changes (recorded Sept. 2020): https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-9/

AAOS is the leading voice on musculoskeletal health. But its voice is only as strong as its members are unified, argues a former AAOS president. This episode explains why it is critical for all orthopaedic surgeons—regardless of their location, speciality, or political ideology—to come together under the umbrella of AAOS and with one "ortho-partisan" agenda when it comes to advocacy. View the 2022 Unified Advocacy Agenda: https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/advocacy/2022-unified-advocacy-agenda.pdf Learn more about the AAOS Advisor’s Circle: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/pac/donate-to-the-orthopaedic-pac/advisors-circle/ Visit the AAOS Advocacy Action Center: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/  Guest: Gerald R. Williams, Jr., MD, FAAOS (Pennsylvania), Former AAOS President Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

Workplace violence in the healthcare setting occurs four times more often than in the average workplace and recently claimed the life of an orthopaedic surgeon in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This episode features a conversation with two AAOS leaders working to make a difference: one who chairs AAOS’ Patient Safety Committee and the other who is a sworn police officer. They share a dialogue around the surge in assault and violence, legislation moving through Congress to address the behavior, and practical tools to mitigate risks both at the individual physician and clinic level. More on AAOS advocacy to protect healthcare professionals: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/safety-from-workplace-violence More on the 2022 Orthopaedic Advocacy Week: www.aaos.org/orthopaedicadvocacyweek  Guests: Julie Samora (Ohio), MD, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Patient Safety Committee; Alfonso Mejia (Illinois), MD, FAAOS, Secretary, BOC Host: Douglas Lundy (Georgia), MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

AAOS Advocacy extends beyond the halls of Capitol Hill to ensure that quality initiatives continue to improve patient outcomes and reduce administrative burden. In this episode, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair and podcast host Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS sits down with James Huddleston III, MD, FAAOS Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford Hospital to discuss the role that advocacy has in advancing the quality of musculoskeletal care through the AAOS family of registries. More on the AAOS Registry Program: https://www.aaos.org/registries Guest: James Huddleston III, MD, FAAOS, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford Hospital Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

In this episode, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair and podcast host Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS sits down with Al Olszewski, MD, FAAOS (R-MT) to discuss his 2022 campaign for Congress. They discuss Dr. Al’s path to politics, why it’s important for orthopaedic surgeons to be involved politically, and how politicians can work together in the best interest of patients. Dr. Al's primary is on June 7. Additional links and resources:  AAOS Now Article about Dr. Olszewski’s Campaign: https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2022/mar/advocacy/advocacy01/ AAOS Press Release Endorsement of Dr. Olszewski: https://www.aaos.org/aaos-home/newsroom/press-releases/orthopaedic-pac-endorses-aaos-member-al-olszewski-md-faaos-for-congress/ AAOS OrthoPAC: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/pac/ Guest: Al Olszewski, MD, FAAOS, Candidate for U.S. Congress Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

In this episode, Dr. Lundy interviews three AAOS members who have different perspectives on the role of consolidation in the advancement of musculoskeletal care. Listeners will hear from them on the pros and cons of consolidation and learn more about how consolidation will influence future trends in the practice of orthopaedic surgery.  Additional links and resources: Podcast episode on "Repeal of Antitrust Exemption for Health Insurers": https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-15/ FAQ on consolidation: https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/advocacy/issues/faqs-on-hospital-consolidation.pdf AAOS Advocacy Action Center: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/ Guests: James W. Barber, M.D., Southeastern Orthopaedics; Frederic E. Liss, M.D., Rothman Orthopaedic Institute; Ronald A. Navarro, M.D., Kaiser Permanente  Host: Douglas Lundy, M.D., MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

This second episode in our series on consolidation in healthcare centers around the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) role of enforcing the nation's antitrust laws and ensuring competition within the industry. Special guest Mark D. Seidman, Assistant Director for the Mergers IV Division at the FTC, explains how the agency investigates mergers and their impact on the future of healthcare delivery.  Guest: Mark D. Seidman, Assistant Director for the Mergers IV Division at the Federal Trade Commission Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair 

The consolidation of hospitals, practices, and the healthcare market in general is a hot button issue which remains ever-present for orthopaedic surgeons. AAOS Advocacy Council Chair and podcast host Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS explores the trend and its impact on musculoskeletal care from various angles in this three-part series. In Part 1 with health policy analyst Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, they identify the pros and cons of consolidation and how the federal government is handling potential downsides.  Additional links and resources:  Health Affairs article on the topic from Drs. Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, and James Ficke, MD, FAAOS: https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/forefront.20210408.980640/full/ Podcast episode on “Lifting Restrictions on Physician-Owned Hospitals”: https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-7/ AAOS Advocacy Action Center: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/ Guest: Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, Hospitalist and Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair 

Insurer influence on the practice of orthopaedic surgery continues to increase. The implementation of the No Surprises Act on Jan. 1, along with the ongoing administrative burden and delayed patient care caused by prior authorization requirements, will bring additional challenges to both physicians and patients in the year ahead. In this episode, Tony DaRe from the national employee benefits consulting firm BSI Corporate Benefits discusses the ways in which orthopaedic surgeons can advocate for and with their patients to overcome insurer challenges and improve the system. Learn more about BSI Corporate Benefits: https://bsicorporate.com/about-us/ Guest: Tony DaRe, CEO and Agency Principal at BSI Corporate Benefits Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

Orthopaedic surgery is set to face reductions in Medicare reimbursement and changes to the process for resolving surprise medical bills beginning Jan. 1, 2022. AAOS Advocacy Council Chair Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, sits down with senior staff from the AAOS Office of Government Relations to explain these healthcare policy changes, what the AAOS has been doing to preserve the value of surgical services, including recent updates from Capitol Hill, and how these issues will continue to play out in 2022. October podcast episode on Economic Effects of Medicare Pay Cuts: https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-23/ November podcast episode on Preventing Surprise Medical Bills: https://www.aaos.org/publications/the-bone-beat-orthopaedic-podcast-channel/the-bone-beat-advocacy-podcast/episode-24/ Guests: Shreyasi Deb, PhD, MBA, AAOS Senior Director of Health Policy; Catherine Hayes, MPP, AAOS Senior Director of Government Relations Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

The issue of patients receiving unanticipated medical bills is back in the national spotlight. It rose to prominence in 2019, consumed the attention of policymakers in 2020, and is the focus of newly released regulations designed to implement the “No Surprises Act,” which passed in late 2020. This episode, with interviews from an AAOS member expert and a senior health legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), explains the new process for resolving payment disputes and discusses concerns as to whether or not the regulations will ultimately fulfill their promise. Learn more about the issue: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/surprise-billing Guests: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, Member, AAOS Health Care Systems Committee; Steven Peterson, Senior Legislative Assistant, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair

Orthopaedic surgery is set to face an up to 10% reduction in Medicare reimbursement beginning in 2022. This discussion with a healthcare economist dives into the effects that these cuts will have on physician practices and patient care amidst our nation’s growing healthcare expenditures. Participants discuss the government’s reasoning behind the cuts; unintended consequences on access issues and practice consolidation, as well as how the surgical community can advocate against the devaluing of musculoskeletal care. Learn more about the payment policy changes: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/advocacy-action-center/payment-policy-changes/ Guest: Patricia Ketsche, Ph.D., MBA,  Associate Professor Emerita, Institute of Health Administration, Georgia State University Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Advocacy Council

At the AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting, new host and Advocacy Council Chair Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, recorded a live, on-site interview with Austin Beason, MD, who is Chair of the Resident Assembly and host of the AAOS Career Podcast. They discussed the value of increasing resident involvement in political advocacy as the future leaders of musculoskeletal health, whether it is by participating in grassroots via the Advocacy Action Center, joining the PAC, or becoming engaged with state orthopaedic societies.  Learn more about how residents can get involved: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/get-involved/residents-advocacy/ Learn more about the Orthopaedic PAC: https://www.aaos.org/advocacy/pac/ Guest: Austin Beason, MD, Chair Resident Assembly  Host: Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, Chair Advocacy Council 

This final episode of the three-part series for AAOS’ Orthopaedic Advocacy Week discusses reducing and preventing physician mental health issues. Following the moving story of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency physician who died by suicide while working on the front lines of the pandemic, the conversation features powerful perspectives on breaking down the stigma and increasing access to treatment—starting with passage of the legislation named in her honor, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. (Rep. Susan Wild interview recorded on 7/14 and Corey Feist interview recorded on 7/27) Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation AAOS advocacy on physician mental health Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Jennifer Weiss, MD, FAAOS, Chair, AAOS Communications Committee

This part two episode of a three-part series for AAOS’ Orthopaedic Advocacy Week focuses on ensuring that flexibilities for valuable telemedicine services remain post-pandemic. Adam S. Levin, MD, FAAOS, who helped rapidly introduce a robust telemedicine program for the Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Department during a five-day period, interviews U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) on his recently introduced Telehealth Modernization Act. Learn more at AAOS.org Host: Adam S. Levin, MD, FAAOS, Johns Hopkins Hospital

This part one episode of a three-part series on the issues AAOS is raising during Orthopaedic Advocacy Week focuses on prior authorization reform. In interviews with the original co-sponsors of the “Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act,” we discuss how the bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help protect patients from unnecessary delays in care by streamlining and standardizing prior authorization in the Medicare Advantage program. Learn more at AAOS. Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director

AAOS President Daniel K. Guy, MD, FAAOS, extends a special invitation for members to participate in Orthopaedic Advocacy Week May 24-28, 2021. He explains how the new, completely virtual event is different from previous advocacy opportunities, what issues orthopaedic surgeons will raise with lawmakers, and why individual participation is “paramount” for amplifying year-long advocacy efforts on healthcare policy issues impacting musculoskeletal care. Learn more and sign up for the event. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Cavan Jones, AAOS Government Relations Director

Prior authorization paperwork, insurance battles over setting of care, and EHR documentation challenges are just a few of the many ways that government policies can stand in the way of patient care. In this episode with new AAOS Advocacy Council Chair Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, we discuss the threats we’re fighting in 2021 and how these rules and regulations impact orthopaedic surgery from Capitol Hill to the operating room. Learn more at AAOS. Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director

At only two months into the new administration, partisan politics remain center stage in the healthcare policy debate. President Biden’s healthcare nominees are stuck in limbo, key congressional committees are slow to take shape, and Republicans and Democrats remain sharply divided over Coronavirus relief efforts. National Journal Health Care Correspondent Erin Durkin explains how these competing priorities around pandemic response, insurance coverage, telehealth, disparities and value-based care may impact what the 117th Congress can realistically accomplish. (Recorded on 2/11/21) Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director

For decades, health insurers have been exempt from antitrust laws and allowed to act as a monopoly setting rates and maximizing profits—until now. Enactment of new legislation removes the McCarran-Ferguson Act which has protected insurers since 1945 and now requires them to follow the same free-market rules as the rest of the health care industry. In this episode, we talk with an antitrust expert about why it took so long to repeal this unfair policy and how the new law will introduce more choice and opportunity into the marketplace. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Catherine Hayes, AAOS Senior Director of Government Relations

Recounting the ways AAOS shaped health policy in the year 2020 cannot be done without mentioning COVID-19. What began as a year dedicated to encouraging physician burden relief and resolving surprise medical billing, quickly turned into a rapid transformation of telehealth and fight for relief to preserve access to musculoskeletal services. NYC-based joint replacement surgeon Claudette Lajam, MD, FAAOS, explains what it was like in the epicenter of the pandemic, and how rapidly changing regulations impacted patient care throughout the year and will continue to affect the orthopaedic profession for years to come. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Graham Newson, AAOS Vice President of Government Relations

Bundled payment programs are designed to promote value-based care and remain largely voluntary. With the deadline to renew or modify contracts rapidly approaching and Medicare’s acceleration towards mandatory models, a four-person panel with varying perspectives discusses whether linking payments to clinical episodes can reduce Medicare expenditures while maintaining or improving quality of care. Learn more about various alternative payment models created to achieve value-based care using AAOS' Value-Based Care Continuum guide. Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director 

Biologics are increasingly being marketed and used to improve outcomes for orthopaedic patients, but the requirements for evidence of safety and effectiveness vary greatly. Leaders from the AAOS Committee on Devices, Biologics & Technology discuss the regulatory landscape, the AAOS Biologics Initiative, and the Academy’s investment in this evolving area of medicine, They also explain how the new AAOS Biologics Dashboard is designed to help members navigate the approval status of biologic-based interventions. Learn more about the AAOS Biologics Initiative and access the dashboard. Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director 

With the U.S. general election just one week away, much is at stake for the physician community. Orthopaedic PAC Executive Committee Treasurer Douglas W. Lundy, MD, FAAOS, and former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives and Oregon State House Representative Knute Buehler, MD, FAAOS, discuss the upcoming election and orthopaedic surgeons’ need to both vote on Nov. 3 and become involved in other forms of civic engagement year-round. OrthoPAC State-by-State Voter Resources Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director

AAOS physician leaders discuss Medicare’s proposal to eliminate the inpatient-only list (IPO) beginning with 266 musculoskeletal procedures. They recount the unresolved challenges with only recently removing several procedures from the list, and the critical opportunity for orthopaedic surgeons to lead the decision-making process with patients and safely shift care to the outpatient setting. Host: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director

In this episode, produced in partnership with the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), advocacy leaders from both organizations discuss the payment policy changes that have been proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency is reducing all orthopaedic surgical services by approximately 5% and reducing the work relative value units for hip and knee arthroplasty by an additional 5.4%, further compounding the mounting tension on musculoskeletal care. Host: Chad A. Krueger, MD, AAHKS Health Policy Fellow

Orthopaedic surgeons across the U.S. are engaging with members of Congress this August as part of AAOS’ In-District Advocacy Event. AAOS First Vice President Daniel K. Guy, MD, FAAOS, talks about the policy issues they’re raising with legislators and why grassroots advocacy is a powerful tool for strengthening the voice of the musculoskeletal community. Learn more at aaos.org/indistrictevent and by following #OrthoAdvocacyinAction on social media. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Madeline Kroll, AAOS Director of Government Relations

Physician-owned hospitals provide some of the highest quality care, at the lowest cost. Yet since the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, they have been prohibited from expanding or establishing new facilities to meet the growing demand for services. Congressman Michael Burgess, MD (TX-26), explains why restrictions on this competitive force in America’s healthcare system should be permanently lifted—not just during the COVID-19 pandemic—for patients who deserve the right to receive care at the hospital of their choice. (Recorded on 7/21/2020) Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Catherine Hayes, AAOS Senior Director of Government Relations

Structural inequities and barriers to health care existed prior to COVID-19. But the pandemic has put a spotlight on the problem, which has also recently become the focus of advocacy efforts nationwide. In this episode, Movement is Life Chair Mary O’Connor, MD, FAAOS, explains how public policy and individual surgeons together can strengthen community-based programs to ultimately help narrow the health equity gap. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Shreyasi Deb, PhD, MBA, AAOS Senior Director of Health Policy

As the only national political action committee dedicated solely to representing orthopaedic surgeons before Congress, the nonpartisan Orthopaedic PAC is a powerful tool for advancing AAOS priorities. Chairman John T. Gill, MD, FAAOS, explains how it continues to break records as a $4 million-dollar PAC, produce award-winning campaigns and support candidates for federal office including three AAOS fellows running in 2020. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Meredith Allison, AAOS Director of Corporate Political Outreach

In this second add-on episode dedicated to COVID-19, Dr. Marion Couch from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shares details on the agency’s response to the pandemic. She covers the sweeping regulatory changes made to support America's health care system, the gradual resumption of non-emergent surgeries and procedures, as well as COVID-19's potential long-term effects on various value-based programs in what she is calling the greatest transformation of medicine that we’ve seen in the last century. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, AAOS Advocacy Communications Director and Shreyasi Deb, PhD, MBA, AAOS Senior Director of Health Policy

Based in Washington, D.C., the AAOS Office of Government Relations promotes and advocates the viewpoint of the orthopaedic community before federal and state legislative, regulatory, and executive agencies. Guided by the Council on Advocacy, it identifies, analyzes, and directs all health policy initiatives to advance the organization's Unified Advocacy Agenda. Hosts: Kristen Coultas, Advocacy Communications Director, AAOS and Graham Newson, Vice President of Government Relations, AAOS

In this add-on episode, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), provides insight on the congressional response to COVID-19. We cover the three stimulus bills that have passed so far and look towards what’s coming in the fourth package and the future of health care post-pandemic. (Recorded on 4/17/20) Hosts: Kristen Coultas, Advocacy Communications Director, AAOS and Catherine Hayes, Senior Director of Government Relations, AAOS

AAOS President Kristy L. Weber, MD, FAAOS, sits down after a busy day on Capitol Hill to talk about Advocacy as a strategic plan enabler. She talks about how these efforts to shape health care policy also help to achieve AAOS' three goals and that Advocacy will be a priority of the association for years to come. Host: Kristen Coultas, Advocacy Communications Director, AAOS

Brought to you by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "The Bone Beat" covers health policy issues affecting musculoskeletal health. Through conversation with the experts, each episode features insights on the changing landscape of orthopaedic surgery and supporting advocacy efforts to advance quality and access to care.