This episode explores the ongoing challenges and potential solutions surrounding Medicare physician payment reform and the sustainability of orthopedic practices. Dr. Robert Orfaly, editor in chief of AAOS Now, is joined by Dr. Adam Bruggeman, Chair of the AAOS Advocacy Council, to discuss the history of payment models from the sustainable growth rate (SGR) to MACRA, the impact of budget neutrality, and the consequences of stagnant reimbursement rates. Dr. Bruggeman shares insights into how thes...
Jun 10, 2025•24 min
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 th...
Sep 09, 2024•38 min•Ep. 53
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, OrthoF...
May 29, 2024•27 min•Ep. 52
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 ophthalmologist Host: Adam Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FA...
Mar 13, 2024•18 min•Ep. 51
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, ...
Feb 13, 2024•21 min•Ep. 50
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 ...
Jan 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 49
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...
Dec 19, 2023•25 min•Ep. 48
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 Stre...
Nov 03, 2023•28 min•Ep. 47
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 &am...
Oct 16, 2023•27 min•Ep. 46
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, F...
Aug 29, 2023•25 min•Ep. 45
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 authori...
Jul 18, 2023•31 min•Ep. 44
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 ...
Jun 30, 2023•25 min•Ep. 43
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-c...
May 16, 2023•22 min•Ep. 42
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: http...
Apr 18, 2023•34 min•Ep. 41
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
Mar 21, 2023•24 min•Ep. 40
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 ...
Mar 03, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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. Gue...
Jan 31, 2023•22 min•Ep. 38
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 Kirkpatr...
Dec 20, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 37
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-advo...
Nov 30, 2022•19 min•Ep. 36
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 th...
Oct 25, 2022•26 min•Ep. 35
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 incentivi...
Sep 27, 2022•28 min•Ep. 34
AAOS is the leading voice for musculoskeletal health, but its voice is only as strong as its members are unified despite their vast differences in sub specialization and political ideology. In this episode, former AAOS President Gerald Williams, Jr., MD, FAAOS makes the case that coming together as one national orthopaedic organization and staying focused on ortho-partisan issues is necessary to advocating for patients’ best interests and being heard in a politically fragmented environment. View...
Aug 16, 2022•21 min•Ep. 33
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 t...
Jul 19, 2022•22 min•Ep. 32
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 Reg...
Jun 21, 2022•28 min•Ep. 31
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/aa...
May 17, 2022•23 min•Ep. 30
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-orthopaedi...
Apr 19, 2022•17 min•Ep. 29
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 Commissio...
Mar 15, 2022•27 min•Ep. 28
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 potentia...
Feb 15, 2022•27 min•Ep. 27
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 ...
Jan 18, 2022•21 min•Ep. 26
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 o...
Dec 21, 2021•21 min•Ep. 25
