AANA Fellowship Education - Orthopedic Business Issues: Billing and Coding, Contracting, Social Media/Patient Relations and Marketing-Orthopedic Business Issues: Billing and Coding, Contracting, Social Media/Patient Relations and Marketing

Orthopedic Business Issues: Billing and Coding, Contracting, Social Media/Patient Relations and Marketing

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The ANNA webinar provided in-depth discussion on key orthopedic business topics including contracting, billing and coding, and social media for patient relations and marketing. Experienced panelists emphasized the importance of understanding contract terms to avoid pitfalls like sole discretion clauses, unfair compensation adjustments, and restrictive covenants. Contract negotiation skills are crucial since many surgeons leave jobs early due to financial or practice reasons. <br /><br />On coding, the panel focused on Evaluation and Management (E&M) code changes in 2021. These changes increased reimbursements for office visits but did not raise values embedded in surgical global codes, often disadvantaging surgeons' post-operative visits. Documentation now centers on medical decision-making with time also recognized for coding. Accurate independent interpretation of tests and appropriate use of modifier 25 with procedures were highlighted for compliance and maximized reimbursement.<br /><br />Dr. Jennifer Weiss discussed responsible and effective use of social media by orthopedic surgeons. She stressed strict protection of patient privacy and organizational guidelines. Social media offers opportunities for marketing, patient and clinician education, and community building. Starting small and engaging with established orthopedic social media ambassadors were recommended strategies.<br /><br />Overall, the webinar encouraged young orthopedic surgeons to become savvy in contracts, coding, and digital presence to succeed professionally while providing excellent patient care.

Asset Caption

William Beach, M.D. | Louis McIntyre, M.D. | Kevin Plancher, M.D. | Jennifer Weiss, M.D.

Keywords

orthopedic business

contract negotiation

billing and coding

Evaluation and Management codes

surgical global codes

modifier 25

social media marketing

patient privacy

orthopedic surgeons