April 2005 Volume 53, No.2

Cover Story

• MedPAC recommendations signal changes
  Issues include payment policies, specialty hospitals, imaging services, direct access

Features

• Laura L. Tosi, MD, receives 2005 Diversity Award
  Recognized for her efforts in “changing the face of orthopaedics”
• Iraqi orthopaedist welcomed at 2005 Annual Meeting
  Scholarship recipient appreciates opportunity to learn in the U.S.

In the News

• Breaking news

Frontlines

• DMLR reports on 2004 successes
  Future plans build on past successes
• FDA panel discusses risk in Cox-2 inhibitors
  Suggest improvements in translating risk-to-benefit profile
• Effective osteoporosis treatment: Understand fears
  Survey shows disconnect between patient fears, physician approaches
• The AANS Professional Conduct Program
  More than 20 years experience, challenges and impact
• Rep. Price advises Orthopaedic PAC to look to future
  It’s not too early to think about 2006 elections
• Two Washington Health Policy Fellowships awarded
• An end to an era: When you close your practice
  Plan ahead to ensure an orderly end to business
• Practice efficiency in academic orthopaedics
  A case study on improving work processes
• Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendations
  An evaluation of literature leads to a common evaluation system
• OREF announces grants and awards for 2005
• PRIT works for physicians on Medicare issues
• States Report

Coding Corner

• Accurately code knee procedures
  Address bundling issues to avoid questions of medical necessity

Legal Issues

• The rights and obligations of an expert witness
  Bring your expertise and objectivity to the courtroom

Academy News

• Across the President's Desk
  A Unified Advocacy Agenda for orthopaedics
• Dr. Weinstein assumes AAOS presidency
• Boards approve revised statements, hear progress reports and make volunteer appointments
• William P. Cooney III, MD, named new JAAOS editor
• JAAOS 2004 Annual Report
  Positioning for change
• Meet the newest members of the Board of Directors
• Research Capitol Hill Days focus on funding
• New PSA campaign focuses on injury prevention, safety
  The Academy’s 2005 PSA campaign catches on with media
• Orthopaedists, sun both shine at playground build
  Thanks to AAOS, thousands of D.C. children to enjoy new, safe, accessible playground
• Members raise concerns during 2005 Town Hall
  Expert witness, specialty hospitals, imaging services among issues
• Doctors, lawyers go on trial at Annual Meeting
  Mock trial shows need for preparation, good attitude
• Researchers honored during Annual Meeting
• Board of Councilors elect new officers
• AAOS/AAOT announce first combined meeting
• Kyphoplasty
  Patient Information from Your Orthopaedic Connections
• In Memoriam

CME

• CME calendar through June 2005
• Meetings of Interest
• AAOS Practice Management Workshops