ORTHOSuperSite.com RSS Daily Feed

Percutaneous bridging of pediatric femoral fractures deemed �an effective technique�

SAN FRANCISCO — Using percutaneous bridging plates for pediatric femoral fractures proved to be a reliable, uncomplicated alternative to flexible nails for Clifford B. Jones, MD, and his colleagues at a Level 1 trauma center in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Patient satisfaction surveys: Tools that can improve your practice and income

Historically, patient satisfaction information has been collected by physician practices in an ad-hoc, fragmented fashion. Forward-thinking clinicians have surveyed their patients and realized how patient feedback serves to validate and promote their practice. Today, pay-for-performance is around the corner and physicians will be held more accountable for patient satisfaction measurement to receive higher reimbursement from Medicare and health plans. Medicare�s Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has developed the Clinician and Group Practice CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Provider Systems) survey which is intended to standardize the measurements used to evaluate the patient experience. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that each survey will cost $8 to administer. Thus finding a way to capture patient feedback quickly and cost-effectively becomes a priority.
We have asked a panel of orthopedic practice administrators who are primarily using e-mailed patient satisfaction surveys to participate in the following Round Table discussion. These administrators are measuring patient experience for a variety of reasons related to quality improvement, improved communication both internally and externally, marketing service excellence to patients and referral physicians, and staff empowerment. The data collection efforts these practices use will prepare them for pay-for-performance in the future, but more importantly, allow them to respond to patient needs and deliver more patient centric care today.

Deep Vein Thrombosis—Concepts and Controversy

The typical patient undergoing a joint replacement procedure is a woman in her mid-60s with hip pain that causes limping and limits physical activity. She has borderline diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, takes a statin drug, and receives hormone replacement therapy. Apparently weight bearing the day after surgery, she is discharged on day 3. A consideration for this patient is what prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism should be provided while she is still at risk of developing a clot after being discharged from the hospital.

Women do not have a higher pain threshold than men, scientists report

A group of pain experts from the United Kingdom and Italy said women are often more prone to long-term debilitating conditions such as arthritis, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome and frequently fail to receive adequate pain relief for those conditions.

FDA announces improved policies on transparency, disclosure for advisory committees

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials announced they have introduced several improved policies and procedures designed to strengthen the agency's management of FDA advisory committees.

Communication gap exists between seniors and surgeons

The decision to undergo orthopedic surgery can be particularly difficult and confusing for older adults.

Scientists pinpoint protein mechanism that may lead to osteoporosis

A group of researchers from South Korea identified the mechanism of a protein that controls and destroys cells, possibly leading to osteoporosis.

Malpractice law evolved via orthopedics

Occasionally, in a complex subject such as medical malpractice, it is useful to look at the current issues within a broad historical context. In doing so, one discovers that orthopedic surgery has played a more important role in establishing legal precedent than any other medical specialty.

New treatment guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis introduced

Proven combinations of medicines and the introduction of new anti-arthritis drugs have significantly improved the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to new guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology and co-authored by physicians at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.