February 2022

CT Ortho News - CT Legislative Session Begins, CMS Surprise Billing Call, Annual Meeting & Dues

‌ OrthoNews & Updates February 2022 2022 CT Legislative Session The COS advocates for meaningful legislative change to benefit patients and the practice of orthopaedic surgery. The 2022 session of the CT Legislature began February 9, 2022, and despite the continued closure of the Legislative Office Building, the COS and our dedicated lobbyists from Focus Government Affairs, have been meeting with legislators and Committees. At this time, public hearings are being held virtually via Zoom and the legislators will make changes to the accessibility of the building and the status of remote hearings based on the status of Covid 19.   The proactive, patient centered advocacy we will be working toward this legislative session includes reforms to the High Deductible Health Plans and Prior Authorization practices of insurers, prohibiting drug formulary changes and seeking Medicaid reimbursement for devices and implants used in the care and treatment of Medicaid patients in Ambulatory Surgery Centers. We will continue to protect patient safety by monitoring and responding to any scope of practice issues that go beyond the training and education of health care professionals and we will collaborate with the State Medical Society and other Physician Specialty organizations.   The COS is fortunate to be represented and guided by our COS lobbyists however we need members of Connecticut's orthopaedic community to help deliver our positions to the Legislature. Throughout the session, we will be reaching out to the membership with grassroots alerts. Please answer the call to action. Thank you for your continued involvement and support of the Society, your colleagues, and patients. Federal "No Surprises Act" CMS Open Door Forum CMS Special Open Door Forum Other Surprise Billing Protections Wednesday, February 23, 2022 2:00pm-3:00pm Eastern Time (ET)  Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. This session will provide Information for providers and facilities on these No Surprises rules: 1) balance billing disclosure requirements; 2) protections for certain continuing care patients whose plan terminates a contract with a provider; and 3) requirements to protect patients and improve the accuracy of provider directory information. This Special Open Door Forum is open to everyone and will be by Conference Call Only. To participate by phone: Dial: 1-888-455-1397 & Reference Conference Passcode: 5109694 MORE INFORMATION Don't Miss the 2022 COS Annual Meeting Friday, May 6, 2022 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT Advance Registration by April 25, 2022, is REQUIRED. Please register ONLINE. The COS Board is pleased to announce the 2022 COS Annual Meeting will be held on May 6th. Program Director, Michael Kaplan, MD, has developed a relevant and engaging educational program to Connecticut's orthopaedic community, Physician Assistants and Physical Therapist. Join your colleagues for the CME accredited educational event with presentations by orthopaedic surgeons who are leaders in their field. The speakers and presentations are listed below (as of February 18, 2022) and the day will include breakfast, lunch, exhibitors and the Society's award presentations. All 2022 dues paying members (RENEW) attend at no additional fee however advanced Registration is required. Please save the date, register and plan to attend the COS 2022 Annual Meeting on May 6th. We look forward to seeing you. 2022 COS Annual Meeting Agenda Malignant Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors of the Hand Edward Athanasian, MD – Chief Emeritus, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York.  Joint Topic H. Del Schutte, Jr., MD – Director, Charleston Institute of Advanced Orthopaedics, Chief of Surgery and Medical Director of the Comprehensive Joint Program, East Cooper Medical Center, South Carolina.   The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Arthroplasty Peter Sculco, MD– Hip and Knee Replacement,  Hospital of Special Surgery, New York   Technology Adoption in Practice: A Spine Surgeon's Perspective Sheeraz Qureshi, MD– Patty and Jay Baker Chair in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York and Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York.   AAOS Update and/or Diversity in Orthopaedics AAOS Speaker – tba   The Musician's Upper Limb: Unique Treatment Needs O. Alton Barron, MD - Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center, Senior Attending Physician, Roosevelt Hand to Shoulder Center at OrthoManhattan and Medical Director, Pinnacle Surgery Center, Austin, Texas.   Workers’ Compensation in Connecticut – An Update Chairman Stephen Morelli – State of Connecticut, Office of Workers’ Compensation Commission.   UConn and Yale Orthopaedic Resident Papers   Orthopaedist of the Year Award (posthumously)     Craig Tifford, MD               Honorary Member Awards                 Michelle Ciarelli and Carol Hornish       Humanitarian Service Award                                    Kenneth Paonessa, MD                   Please Note: All Connecticut Covid-19 protocols in effect at the time of the meeting will be followed and enforced. Additional protocols may be determined by the COS Board and attendees will receive notification. Thank you!          COS Aiming for 100% State Participation & Contribution in 2022 The COS Board is pleased to announce the Society's continued commitment to support the AAOS OrthoPAC through the State’s automatic participation of Connecticut's orthopaedic surgeon community*. Last year, the COS and Past President, Dr. Michael Aronow were recognized by the AAOS PAC for his efforts to achieve 100% state participation in the AAOS PAC. LET'S DO IT AGAIN! During the past year the AAOS OrthoPAC has been effective in benefiting you and your practice in many ways including mitigating planned Medicare payment cuts, negotiating a fairer national Surprise Billing law, and bringing prior authorization burdens to the forefront in discussions with members of Congress and Senate.    The AAOS OrthoPAC is vital to the collective voice of orthopaedic surgeons in Washington, DC, and has a strong presence advocating and lobbying for all of us The OrthoPAC’s effectiveness depends not only on its financial resources but also the percentage of orthopaedic surgeons who are members.  *Members and non members have received email or snail mail delivery of the notice to donate on their behalf. If you did not receive the communication, please accept this notification. * For those that do not opt out by February 25, 2022, a donation of $10.00 will be made to the AAOS OrthoPAC Corporate account, at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.   As a reminder, if you do not wish to be listed as an OrthoPAC supporter, please email ctorthoexec@gmail.com to opt out by February, 25, 2022.  The COS Board urges everyone to consider making an additional contribution by texting AAOS to 41444 or visit www.aaos.org/advocacy/pac for easy online donations. 2022 Membership Have You Renewed? Working on behalf of Connecticut’s Orthopaedic Community and Patients. Membership in the Society provides orthopaedic surgeons and their staff with: Representation  Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee Representation Government Agencies including the Attorney General and Commissioner of Public Health Ambulatory Surgery Tax Relief Coalition Connecticut Worker's Compensation Representation  Advocacy & Lobbying COS lobbyists dedicated to orthopaedic and health care issues Public Hearing testimony at the Capitol Lobbying in DC for Federal healthcare issues 100% AAOS PAC Participation – Members & Non-Members       Continuing Medical Education and Training CME accredited Annual Meeting – May 6, 2022 (details to follow). CPT Coding & Revenue Enhancement Workshops for members & staff Resident Engagement including Annual Forum, Paper Presentations, and funding support       Communication, Programs and Services Monthly Enews Alerts to keep you up to date and informed. Orthopaedic Surgeon Directory – All Active Members Discounted Credit Card Processing Fees for your practice Legal Review of Employment Contracts – Special Legal Package & Rate RENEW ONLINE   Select MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL to pay securely using your credit card and be sure to check your new “SURGEON PROFILE” to make changes or updates. (Note: Only 2021 paid members have an existing profile.) RENEW ONLINE www.ctortho.org The COS is your strongest ally and the only statewide association committed to effecting positive change for the orthopaedic community and patients while delivering value to members with the low annual membership fee of $295.00.   In 2021, COS representatives held virtual meetings, with CT House of Representatives and U.S. Senators on key federal issues impacting medicine and patient care.   Throughout the year, COS and its leadership worked to secure 100% Connecticut orthopaedic surgeon participation in the AAOS OrthoPAC, a vital voice of orthopaedic surgeons in Washington, DC and have committed to 100% participation in 2022 too.   COS members lobbied on a state level on important issues impacting the profession and patients included prohibiting drug formulary changes, securing Telehealth provision and protecting patients from scope expansions.   Your Society represented the orthopaedic community and patients during discussions with Anthem on prior authorization difficulties and delays; Worker’s Compensation matters impacting peer review and treatment protocols and initiating discussions with key legislators on Medicaid reform for orthopaedic surgeon reimbursement and access to surgical care for Medicaid patients at ASCs.   We have much more work ahead to be done this year as we advocate for fair Medicaid reimbursements, ensuring scope expansions equate to training and education, prior authorization reform and collection of high deductibles by insurers, not practices.   Your ongoing participation and 2022 membership in the Society is instrumental to the work of the COS and its Board. Simply go online to pay by credit card or complete the form and mail with your check payment.   Call or email COS with any questions at 860-690-1146; email: ctorthoexec@gmail.com Have you Updated Your Member Profile Online? Visit www.ctortho.org today for timely updates, membership renewal and directory of surgeons* and be sure to update your profile. Any questions, comments, concerns, please contact Susan Schaffman. *Please note that this area of the website is for current members (2022 dues paid) of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society. Once logged in, members will have the ability to request a password and manage their directory listing on our “Find a Surgeon” page and to renew your membership. If you wish to join/renew, you can do so online and create your profile.