Please mark your calendar to join us at the 2013 TOA/TOF Socioeconomic Summit and The Business of Orthopaedics conference held February 1-3, 2013 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas.  This year's event will prepare physicians to identify and meet the numerous policy and industry changes that are rapidly altering the face of medicine. We are pleased to offer some of the health care industry's top speakers who will discuss a number of unique issues that are rarely covered at other medical conferences.

** Register for the 2013 TOA/TOF Socioeconomic Summit! **

Saturday afternoon's agenda, which will focus on policy and industry issues, is tentatively scheduled to feature the following topics:

Keynote Speaker

State Senator Charles Schwertner, MD

Dr. Schwertner, a state representative and orthopaedic surgeon, was recently elected as a state senator from central Texas.   He is recognized by his legislative colleagues as a leader in health care. 

TOA Public Policy Overview: Austin and Washington

Craig Cameron, DO (TOA Legislative Chair) & Bobby Hillert (TOA Executive Director)

In the 2013 Texas Legislature, TOA will be covering every issue that impacts an orthopaedic surgeon's practice.  In addition, a new Congress is expected to consider a number of key issues in Washington.   This presentation will cover every issue that impacts a medical practice, including scope of practice, commercial insurance, Medicaid, trauma, orthotics, Medicare, hospitals, and ASCs.

Workers' Compensation Update

Andrew Kant, MD

Dr. Kant has served as TOA's stakeholder voice in the workers' compensation regulatory and legislative process for over 10 years.  He will provide an update on a number of recent regulatory actions and delve into topics regarding the current state of the workers' compensation system.

What Is Happening in Austin and Washington: A Panel Discussion of Lobbyists

Ashlen Anderson Strong (AAOS); Darren Whitehurst (Texas Medical Association), Denise Rose (Texas Hospital Association), David Teuscher, MD

We have assembled a panel of public policy experts from both Austin and Washington to take a deeper look into the most important issues.  As public policy leaders from their segments of the health care industry, these panelists have unique expertise.

Electronic Medical Records Panel

Panelists TBA

The federal government's 2009 HITECH Act and industry actions have greatly expanded the use of electronic medical records in medical practices.  The panel will take a look at how electronic medical records impact orthopaedic practices and examine the experiences of several different practices.

RAC Audits

Scott Nichols, Strasburger & Price

Medicare audits have greatly increased over the past few years and evolved into several different types of audits.  Scott Nichols will discuss RAC audits as well as other various types of audits.

ACO Panel Discussion: A Look at ACOs & Other New Payment Models

Marc DeHart, MD – Moderator; Lee Spanger (Texas Medical Association); Physician from the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists; Jebby Matthew (Kelsey-Seybold Clinic)

While Medicare ACOs have grabbed the headlines, a number of new payment models that move away from the traditional fee-for-service model are changing the payment landscape.  The panel will examine new payment models in the state, federal, and private sector arenas.  Panelists will discuss Medicare gain-sharing initiatives, the state's new health care collaboratives, and the Texas Surgical Quality Collaborative.

MAC Audit Panel Discussion: The Impact on Orthopaedic Surgeons

Patrick Palmer, MD – Moderator; Ashlen Anderson Strong (AAOS); Patti Velky (Memorial Hermann); Brian Parsley, MD; Scott Nichols (Strasburger & Price)

Audits of DRG 470 generated by Trailblazer had a tremendous impact on orthopaedic surgeons in 2012.  The panel will take a look at the transition to Novitas and the expected continuation of these audits.

Incentives for the sponsors

Sponsorships

The Socioeconomic Summit generally attracts the specialty's most active and influential physicians.  In 2013, we are expecting a larger attendance turnout due to the greater range of topics we will be covering than in years past.  In addition, this conference offers a unique way for sponsors to meet both the fourth and fifth year orthopaedic residents.

For Sponsors and Supporters the Socioeconomic Summit will help them gain an outstanding amount of exposure to Texas orthopaedists. In addition, in exchange for their support, meeting sponsors will gain the following tools: an exhibit booth, after-meeting registration lists and recognition in the bi-weekly, official Texas Orthopaedic Association newsletter.

*Preliminary Program at this time (times and topics subject to change):*

 

Board of Directors / Leadership Dinner
Date	Workers Compensation Meeting
Friday
Feb. 1, 2013	Board of Directors Meeting	(Invitation Only)
	Leadership Dinner	(Invitation Only)
Resident Course
Date	Topic	Speaker
Saturday	Registration & Continental Breakfast
Feb. 2, 2013
	Location, Location, Location	Andrew P. Kant, MD - Houston
	Setting Up Practice:  Marketing, Prof. Liability, Credentials & Ancillary Services	TMLT, Jennifer Kinman  & Bobby Hillert
	Services You Will Need:  Health Care Attorney, CPA	J. Pete Laney  & Dale Cooper, CRI
	Break & Exhibitor Visitation
	Coding and Documentation	Laura Palmer with TMA
	Billings and Collections	Laura Palmer with TMA
	Negotiating Carrier Contracts	TBD
Socioeconomic Summit
Date	Topic	Speaker
Saturday	Registration & Lunch Buffet
Feb. 2, 2013
	Opening	David J. Mansfield, MD - El Paso
	Keynote Speaker	Senator Charles J. Schwertner, MD - Georgetown
	TOA Public Policy Overview	Bobby Hillert
	Lobbyist Panel	Bobby Hillert, moderator | David D. Teuscher, MD - Beaumont;  Darren Whitehurst (Texas Medical Association); Denise Rose (Texas Hospital Association)
	Break & Exhibitor Visitation
	Electronic Medical Records Round Table?	Greenway, Phoenix Ortho, simplyMD, glostream
	Negotiating ACO Contracts	Bill Darling or Scott Nichols/Straburger
	ACO Round Table?	Marc M. DeHart, MD - Austin moderator | Lee Spangler (Texas Medical Association); Jebby Matthew (Kelsey-Seybold)
	MAC Audit Round Tab	Patrick M. Palmer, MD, moderator | Ashlen Strong (AAOS); Patti Velky (Memorial Hermann);  Brian S. Parsley, MD,  Scott Nichols (Strasbuger Price)
	Workers Compensation	Andrew P. Kant, MD - Houston
	TOA Summit Reception
Resident Course (continued)
Date	Topic	Speaker
Sunday	Registration and Breakfast
Feb. 3, 2013
	Exhibitor Visitation
	How to Make Your First Employment Contract Your Last	David D. Teuscher, MD - Beaumont
	Dumb Things That Doctors Do	David D. Teuscher, MD - Beaumont
	Texas Medical Board Compliance	Susan Henricks, Attorney or J. Pete Laney
	Ethics and Professionalism	Maureen A. Finnegan, MD - Dallas
	Protected Asset Trusts	Ken Vanway, JD, Vanway Law Firm
	The Politics of Orthopaedia & Why You Should Participate in Organized Medicine	David J. Mansfield, MD - El Paso