Sept./Oct. 2020

MA Ortho News-Orthobiologics Webinar, Workers Comp, CMS Proposed Ortho Cuts to Fee Schedule, Become a MOA Key Contact

Orthopaedic News & Updates September/October 2020 Orthobiologics in Sports Medicine MOA Clinical Webinar - October 28th at 7 p.m. The MOA Cordially invites all Orthopaedic Surgeons, Residents and PAs to a one-hour virtual webinar on the: Safe & Reasonable Use of Stem Cells and Orthobiologics in Sports Medicine and Early OA Wednesday, October 28th     7-8 p.m. Guest Speaker: Christian Lattermann, MD  Chief of Sports Medicine Service - Brigham & Women’s Hospital This will be an informative presentation and a great opportunity to learn more from Dr. Lattermann on the use of Orthobiologics.   His presentation will include: Clinical experiences regarding the use of Orthobiologics and stem cell related products as an alternative treatment in patients with early Osteoarthritis. Issues regarding the scientific background of Orthobiologics. Regulatory Status Known Clinical Efficacies Treatment Algorithms & Where to Integrate Orthobiologics into the current treatment arsenal. There is no fee to attend. Don’t Delay, RSVP to the MOA today! Webinar Connection Information will be emailed to all registrants. (Please Note: This is not a CME event.) Special thanks for the support of : Mollie Pett Mollie.pett@lipogems.us.com Reduction in Orthopaedic Reimbursements Proposed Medicare Cuts in 2021 Join the MA Orthopaedic Association's efforts to support the AAOS Call to Action. Orthopaedic surgery is currently scheduled to see a 5% reduction for all Medicare services furnished, in addition to proposed cuts to hip and knee surgery. These cuts are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The MOA has signed onto the AAOS letter to CMS opposing these reductions and MOA Board representatives also met remotely with MA Congressional members and Senators, urging them to act to avoid these cuts.  We need your help in opposing the proposed payment reductions.   Simply click HERE to complete the form with your information and submit electronically. The email will go directly to your Congressional representative.  Please contact the MOA if you have any questions or concerns.   Don't Delay; Please Act Today!  Comment period closes October 5th.  Advocacy in Action Become a Key Contact - Support the Profession The MOA is your strongest ally and the only statewide association committed to effecting positive change for the orthopaedic community.  The MOA continues to be increasingly involved with the MA Legislature as the number of bills and regulations increases each year and significantly impacts orthopaedic surgeon's ability to practice medicine and deliver quality health care to their patients.  While this legislative session was interrupted and disrupted by the pandemic, the MOA continues to lobby for sensible health care reforms, Covid 19 liability relief, telehealth parity and fair, objective out of network reimbursement. In addition, the MOA represented you during discussions with the Division of Insurance, Department of Public Health and CMS all related to Covid 19 matters. It is essential that orthopaedic surgeons continue to support the MOA by taking a pro-active approach in developing meaningful, effective relationships with members of the MA Legislature.  This is where you can help. You can be an important resource to legislators and other government officials on health care issues by signing up to be a key contact.  The goal of a key contact program is to personalize outreach to the MA legislature through individual orthopaedic surgeon communications while maximizing the impact of the orthopaedic community.  READ MORE & SIGN UP HERE. MA Workers' Comp Seeks Orthopaedic Representative to Health Care Services Board The Massachusetts’ Workers’ Compensation Health Care Services Board currently has an opening for an orthopaedic surgeon to serve as a Board member. MOA Emeritus Board Member, Dr. David Babin (Falmouth, MA) recently retired from serving on the Board. Dr. Babin represented the MOA and the entire MA orthopaedic Community for more than 15 years and we are grateful for his dedication and appreciative of leadership.    The Health Care Services Board is a 14-member board with Dr. Dean Hashimoto (Brigham & Women’s) presiding as Chair. The functions of the Board include: 1.     Create and Revise Workers’ Compensation Treatment Guidelines for MDs. 2.     Hear Physician Complaints from WC Patients. 3.    Act as a Sounding Board for the Senior Judge.   The MOA is currently seeking a member to serve with a possibility to “board share” the position. This is a volunteer position with a small stipend per meeting. The meetings are held 5 times a year from 8-11 a.m. on Saturdays; currently the are virtual however the physical meeting location is Boston.    If you would like to know more and/or are interested in serving on the Health Care Services Board, please contact the MOA. This is an important representation for the MOA and orthopaedic community.  Thank you for your consideration and please feel free to share with your orthopaedic colleagues who may be interested in serving. MOA 2021 Membership Renewal Support the MOA's Work on Behalf of the Orthopaedic Community Now more than ever, your 2021membership renewal is vital to the work of the MOA in supporting orthopaedic surgeons, the practice of medicine and protecting patients. The MOA has been very active during these stressful, rapidly changing times by providing timely updates, relevant information, and advocating on behalf of all our members and patients.  Some of the MOA work is highlighted below.  Successfully Advocated for Liability Relief.  Urged Governor Baker to Reopen Surgical Procedures in Phase One. Requested Prior Authorization Extensions for our Previously Scheduled Patients. Informed Members of Med Mal Premium Credits and Deferments. Provided Data Sheet for all Telehealth Codes and Policies for ALL Commercial Carriers. Requested Health Insurers credit Policy Holders that Have Not Accessed Health Care. Represented the orthopaedic community on weekly calls with the DPH, DOI, CMS and MMS. At just $300.00 a year (150.00 for first-year members), the MOA represents all orthopaedic surgeons whether you’re in private practice, hospital or academic based, you benefit.  To Renew Online via Credit Card (click here) Email for 10% GROUP Discount for Your Practice (click here) Unsure of your 2021 Membership Renewal? Simply email Susan to check your status.