September 2023

Latest Orthopaedic Updates from CT Orthopaedic Society

September 2023 State Notifies M.D.s Practice Transactions & CON Requirements In a recent letter from Connecticut's Office of Health Strategy (OHS), physicians were reminded of Connecticut's Certificate of Need (CON) statute and requirement of certain practice transactions that require a CON and the penalty ($1k a day) for noncompliance. While there has been no change to the statute or the regulations, OHS is seeking to ensure that the transactions that fall within the statutory definitions are vetted via the CON process. Furthermore, the OHS suggests that if a physician is unsure of a transfer, merger or acquisition falling within the statute, they request a Determination of Need be filed. Read Notification from COS Legal - Garfunkel & Wild Certificate of Need in CT - COS Responds Connecticut's Office of Health Strategy Holds Meeting on CON - COS Responds The Office of Health Strategy held informational meetings at the Legislature to review the State's CON process and to invite comments on issues and concerns with CON. The COS has long held that the CON statute in Connecticut interrupts the free-market economy and after decades of CON requirements in Connecticut, the goal to contain health care costs has not been achieved. The Society will continue its work and remain engaged in any future discussions. READ COS COMMENT LETTER to OHS YES, REGISTER ME FOR THE WEBINAR   Articles of Interest Should nurses with doctorates be called doctor? Lawsuit targets Calif. rule                                          Three nurse practitioners are suing the state of California for its restrictions over the use of "doctor," asking the court to prevent enforcement of the law. Cutting Prior Authorizations   United Healthcare and Cigna among payers cutting prior authorization for hundreds of codes. Elevate Your COS Connection Join the COS Text Network The COS Text Network – your direct line to all things COS, right on your phone. (NOTE: Text communication limited to week day, business hours and less than 4x a month.) Stay in the Loop: Get the latest updates, crucial advocacy alerts, and time-sensitive communications delivered straight to your cell phone. Your Privacy, Your Control: Our platform is safe and secure. Plus, you can opt out whenever you want. Join the COS Text Network now. Scan the code below to sign up effortlessly and stay connected.

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Latest Orthopaedic Updates from CT Orthopaedic Society

December 2022 In Memoriam Ronald A. Ripps, MD May 1943 - November 2022 "The fire that burns in his eyes was lit for the day when he earned the right and the awesome responsibilities of surgical practice and it will never be extinguished.” It's Who You Are, Noah H. Ripps - Summer 2008 The Connecticut Orthopaedic Society (COS) and members of the Board mourn the passing of past president and longtime board member, Ronald Ripps, MD. Dr. Ripps served as COS President from 2001 to 2003, and is being remembered for his leadership, foresight, and contributions to the Society. He joined the Society’s Board in 1996, and for over a decade was a mentor to many, both professionally and within the Society.   Under his leadership and tutelage as President of the Society, Dr. Ripps laid a solid foundation for growth and expansion of the professional society to represent orthopaedic surgeons on legal, regulatory, and professional fronts. He was a contributing editor to BACKBONE, the Society’s original newsletter, writing articles of human interest and professional importance. In 2008, Dr. Ripps was honored with the Society’s highest award, Orthopaedist of the Year, for his work in developing a thriving and relevant professional organization.  He was the founder of Connecticut Family Orthopedics in Danbury, served on the Board of the Fairfield County Medical Association and the Connecticut State Medical Society’s Legislative Committee. Dr. Ripps served as Chief Flight Surgeon at Dyess Air Force during the Vietnam War. He received his medical degree from Tufts University Medical School. He will be missed and fondly remembered. The COS Board extends their sympathy to Dr. Ripps’ wife, Barbara, and their family.  In 2008, his son Noah wrote an article reflecting on his father’s career as an orthopaedic surgeon which was published in the Society’s, Backbone Newsletter in the Summer of 2008.  It's worth a read! Avert 2023 Medicare Pay Cuts Contact CT U.S. House of Representatives Members Join the AAOS and COS in urging Congress to support physicians and Medicare patients and prevent looming Medicare payment cuts beginning in January 2023. Connecticut's Congressional delegation needs to hear from YOU.  As of December 1st, there are 106 cosponsors of House bill, HR 8800, Support Medicare Providers Act of 2022.  REP. JOHN LARSON HAS SIGNED ON FROM CONNECTICUT. IF YOUR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER HAS NOT SIGNED ONTO THE BILL YET; PLEASE SEND A LETTER USING THE LINK BELOW.  It's quick and easy to advocate for the profession and Medicare patients. SEND LETTERS 2023 COS Membership Renewal The COS is the only statewide association representing Connecticut’s orthopaedic community. In 2022, working on behalf of orthopaedic surgeons and their patients, COS, as a coalition member, and its lobbyists successfully repealed the onerous ASC tax of seven years in Connecticut saving ASCs millions of tax dollars. Members lobbied and testified on this and other important issues impacting the profession in 2022. COS representatives met in D.C. with CT House of Representatives and U.S. Senators to lobby for Prior Authorization Reform, and urged congress to avert the 2023 Medicare Payment Cuts. We have much more work ahead in 2023, Prior Authorization Policy Reforms  Increase Medicaid reimbursements  Ensuring scope expansion equates to patient safety and more. Please renew for 2023 either online or complete the form and mail with your check payment. To arrange for group billing, have your staff contact COS at 860-690-1146 or email ctorthoexec@gmail.com to request. RENEW ONLINE Join your colleagues for the 2023 COS meeting developed by Michael Kaplan, MD, Program Director, and featuring great speakers, relevant presentations, CME, latest products and services, breakfast, lunch and networking. All 2023 COS members attend at NO FEE. Click for Agenda* *Subject to Change. Scan to Join the COS Text Network Don't Miss Out - Sign Up Today! Sign up for texts from COS. Receive advocacy alerts, regulatory updates. relevant programs and insurance news.  All cell phone information will remain private. Texts sent weekdays and within normal business hours ONLY. Opt-out at any time.  IMPORTANT : You are giving express written consent to receive mobile text communication from the CT Orthopaedic Society. Message and data rates may apply. COS 2023 Annual Meeting Friday May 12, 2023 8 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Aqua Turf Club Plantsville, CT AAOS Volunteer Opportunties AAOS members who may be interested in volunteering for one of the many volunteer opportunities with AAOS are encouraged to view the postings in the AAOS CAP System and apply. AAOS members can visit the www.aaos.org/cap from now until to December 18, 2022. LEARN MORE AAOS OrthoPAC The AAOS strongly supports the federal advocacy activities of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society in Washington, D.C.   There are two major and critical bills the AAOS PAC is working to secure passage by the Senate; Prior Authorization Reforms in Medicare and delaying the Medicare payment cuts scheduled to go into effect January 2023.    To ensure the strength of Connecticut orthopaedic surgeons on a federal level, our Society continues to support the AAOS OrthoPAC with 100% statewide participation.   To augment the collective support of COS, please consider making an additional contribution by texting AAOS to 41444 or click here for easy online donations.

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