FAIR Health Database Analyzes Concussion Claims
FAIR Health recently created an analysis of concussions based on over 20 billion privately-billed medical and dental claims. (click on graphic for full screen)
TOA News Feed
Pain Relief Issues in Orthopaedics
Both the Texas Orthopaedic Association (TOA) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have addressed the opioid crisis at recent meetings. Austin orthopaedic surgeon David Ring, MD, PhD presented at TOA’s 2017 Annual Conference: “The Opioid Crisis: The Future Role of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Solving the Crisis.” Dr. Ring shared a pain relief video at…
Texas Governor Abbott Signs Enhanced Scoliosis Screening Bill
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 1076, which will update the state’s scoliosis screening standards to reflect the latest science. The measure was sponsored by Representative Tom Oliverson, MD (R-Spring) and Senator Don Huffines (R-Dallas). A groundbreaking 2013 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine affirmed that a back brace can slow the…
Orthopaedic Surgeon Sworn in as HHS Official for Region 6
David Teuscher, MD, a past president of the Texas Orthopaedic Association and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, was sworn in as the Regional Administrator for Intergovernmental and External Affairs for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Region 6 on May 22. Region 6 covers Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and 68 American…
CMS Asks for Comments on Physician-owned Hospitals
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asked for comments regarding POHs in the proposed rule for inpatient hospital payments for 2018. CMS’s comments stated: “We are seeking public comments on the appropriate role of physician-owned hospitals in the delivery system. We are also seeking public comments on how the current scope and restrictions…
Thank You To Our WiFi Sponsor!
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AAOS Congressional Ambassadors: Texas Action Alert
Texas Ambassadors, I’m writing to ask you to help support a fellow Texan, AAOS Ambassador, and orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. David Teuscher. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) is circulating the attached letter of support for Dr. Teuscher for a senior-level post at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). AAOS has also written a letter of…
TOA Launches a Financial Benchmarking Survey; Results to Be Analyzed at TOA’s May 5-6, 2017 Annual Conference
TOA will dedicate the Saturday, May 6 portion of the 2017 Annual Conference in Dallas to “The Business of Orthopaedics.” One of the presentations will examine key financial benchmarks in Texas orthopaedic practices and highlight some of the financial strengths and weaknesses facing orthopaedic practices in Texas. TOA is seeking volunteers to participate in this…
Orthopaedic Surgeon to Lead Texas Senate Health Committee
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick named the Senate committees for the 85th Texas Legislature, and Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown) – an orthopaedic surgeon – will continue to lead the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Two other physicians serve in the Texas Senate: Dawn Buckingham, MD (R-Austin) – an ophthalmologist – and Donna Campbell, MD…
Senator Offers Amendment to Protect Team Physicians
State Senator Charles Schwertner, MD (R-Georgetown), the chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, is expected to offer an amendment to the Texas Sunset Commission’s report on the Texas Medical Board that would direct the Board to license out-of-state team physicians when they travel with their teams to Texas. The Texas Orthopaedic Association…