Karen Simonton, CPA
Chief Administrative Officer
Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia

After more than a year of discussions, on November 20, 2013, VOS hosted the inaugural meeting of independent orthopaedic administrators in Richmond, Virginia.  We were fortunate to have attendees from all over the state as well as speakers from AAOS and MSV. The VOS Association Manager, Andrew Mann, kicked off the meeting with a hearty welcome and an overview of VOS activities that included White Coat Day (January 30, 2014). Cal Whitehead, VOS Lobbyist, followed up with an update on Workers’ Compensation Reform. Both VOS representatives thanked administrators for their previous advocacy involvement and issued the call to get involved or remain so in support of independent orthopaedic practice.

The agenda included an ICD-10 update from AAOS (Matt Twetten). This single issue will impact productivity and revenues as providers and payers adjust to a foreign and significantly more complicated diagnosis system. Practices should already be preparing for an October 1, 2014 “go live.” MSV has resources for this. Amy Hewett from MSV gave an overview of MSV advocacy efforts to include Workers' Comp (VOS/MSV joint effort) and Medicaid expansion. She also asked for the involvement of administrators and physicians. Last but not least, a range of topics was covered including operational issues and then some general networking relating to each other’s practices. The networking session may have been one of the more valuable takeaways. Groups all over the state are doing unique things to provide great care while maintaining their independence. Topics ranged from captives for all types of insurance, building a multi-specialty group from an orthopaedic base, growing urgent care access, and outcomes measurement to electronic health records. 

Our next meeting will coincide with AAOE in Washington, DC, from May 31-June 3, 2014. We would like to grow this group.  If you are not already connected, please email Andrew Mann at: andrew@societyhq.com.