1.1 Advocate and promote policies that will provide access to musculoskeletal care for underserved populations.

1.2 Work with other organizations representing providers of musculoskeletal patient care to develop systems of patient management that will be driven by patient needs, be directed by physicians, maximize value and preserve timely access to specialty care. These cooperative efforts may include research, provider education, patient education, advocacy and the development of patient care models and tools.

1.3 Periodically analyze the patient population with musculoskeletal disorders and develop programs and policies that address the changing status of this population while maximizing ethical, cost-effective care.

1.4 Influence decision makers regarding collection, analysis, control and access of data related to patient care.

1.5 Encourage participation of orthopaedic surgeons in public interest groups which focus on musculoskeletal disorders.

1.6 Assist patients with confidentiality and appropriate use of information concerning their medical care.

Education

Value Statement

Education of orthopaedic surgeons and other health care professionals which allows the delivery of high quality and cost-effective patient care and advances musculoskeletal health is a fundamental endeavor of both organizations.

2.1 Provide a multifaceted array of educational programs for the Fellowship, orthopaedists, other musculoskeletal providers, patients and the public both nationally and internationally.

2.2 Develop programs that focus on emerging issues and initiatives related to biotechnology, incorporating evidence-based, ethical and cost-effective content as well as available outcomes-related data.

2.3 Promote awareness of and provide education in electronic communications skills, telemedicine and medical informatics.

2.4 Provide educational content in health policy for orthopaedists.

2.5 Continue to develop and validate methods to measure the educational effectiveness in both teaching and learning related to all programs and publications.

2.6 Provide educational content in practice management, emphasizing effective and efficient business management practices.

2.7 Provide evaluation tools for orthopaedists, residents and residency programs through an ongoing series of self-assessment programs.

2.8 Evaluate the breadth and depth of the organizations' relationships with orthopaedic industry, specialty societies and health care insurers in educational activities to ensure that these relationships promote ethical, cost-effective care.

Health Policy

Value Statement

The health policy program is proactive and responsive to the needs of the public and the profession, and is designed to maintain and enhance the delivery of comprehensive, value-added musculoskeletal care and the physician/patient relationship.

3.1 Advocate policies and programs that will maintain and improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of musculoskeletal health, taking into account local and regional needs as well as populations of patients.

3.2 Collect, analyze and communicate data related to musculoskeletal care issues that include work force, reimbursement, liability, changing health care delivery systems, various practice arrangements, and innovative collaborative methods of payment.

3.3 Advocate fair payment for musculoskeletal services.

3.4 Promote the highest professional and ethical standards for the patient/physician relationship.

3.5 Develop and implement strategies that will expand the scope of orthopaedic practice to include comprehensive musculoskeletal care.

3.6 Advocate the removal of impediments to the efficient and effective practice of orthopaedics.

3.7 Analyze and provide information concerning the best use of business and information technologies that will support efficient and effective business practices in members' offices.

3.8 Promote direct linkage between health care purchasers, physicians, patients and payers.

3.9 Promote adequate Graduate Medical Education funding to provide a future skilled orthopaedic physician work force.

Research

Value Statement

Establish both organizations as a definitive source of high quality, ethical basic science, clinical and health services research, which are the foundation and future of musculoskeletal care.

4.1 Collect and analyze data so that both organizations become the informational resource for all aspects of musculoskeletal conditions and care (e.g., incidence, impact, prevalence and cost-effectiveness).

4.2 In collaboration with the Musculoskeletal Education and Research Institute, develop a data base on musculoskeletal problems that can be used to assess and benchmark outcomes and resource utilization.

4.3 Develop and implement programs that promote basic science, clinical and health services research, and collaborate with the Orthopaedic Research Society and related organizations involved in musculoskeletal research.

4.4 Influence the process of decision making for public and private funding for basic science, clinical and health services musculoskeletal research, and support the activities of the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation in these areas.

4.5 Develop and review evidence-based practice guidelines in collaboration with other related organizations.

4.6 Monitor, address and educate the Fellowship on emerging issues in biology and technology related to legislation, regulation and patient issues.

4.7 With other orthopaedic organizations, encourage orthopaedists to pursue careers in basic, clinical and health services research.

Organizational Issues

Value Statement

Both organizations are flexible, efficient and fiscally responsible and are composed of diverse members who provide comprehensive musculoskeletal care. These professionals communicate and collaborate in the development of educational programs, research activities and advocacy for the highest quality musculoskeletal health.

5.1 Develop a flexible organizational culture and staff to ensure a rapid response to meet the changing needs of the members.

5.2 Provide a comprehensive array of methods to regularly and effectively communicate with members, and be responsive to the needs and concerns of the members, the public, policy makers and other professionals.

5.3 Assure that both organizations continue to maintain an organizational structure that is fiscally responsible and accountable.

5.4 Provide a structure and process that are directed toward the attraction and retention of members and applicants.

5.5 Evaluate strategies to redefine the scope of orthopaedic care for musculoskeletal conditions.

5.6 Develop collaborative relationships with orthopaedic state, regional, international and specialty societies and other physician organizations that facilitate joint development of strategies and programs of mutual benefit.

5.7 Provide avenues for leadership development to assure that a continuing pool of qualified leaders is available.

5.8 Develop programs and projects that promote diversity in the membership so as to meet the needs of all patients.

5.9 Explore the development of shared interest groups within the structure of the Academy, including international members, allied health categories and other appropriate groups.