Vol. 4 January 2021
Welcome, 2021! After a year riddled with challenges and uncertainty, the OrthoForum is looking ahead and focusing on the future of our organization, our membership and our purpose – accelerating the advancement of independent orthopaedics. We have exciting ventures planned for 2021, many of which are noted in this newsletter.
Our OrthoForum theme in 2021 is “Driving Change”. In choosing this theme, we considered our role in the current healthcare environment. We’ve learned this year more than ever that circumstances and priorities are constantly changing in the world of healthcare and, especially, orthopaedics. As thought leaders, we must pivot to welcome these changes and pioneer forward. That said, as an organization, we are dedicated to helping our members remain at the forefront of best practices, advocacy efforts, direct contracting and other industry trends.
Here’s to a year of gathering at live meetings (fingers crossed!), overcoming challenges and “Driving Change”.
2021 EVENTS AND REMINDERS
Due to concerns surrounding the current spike in COVID-19 cases, the OrthoForum Annual Conference 2021 has been rescheduled for June 10-12, 2021. This decision came after careful consideration of the following – We believe that by this time the majority of physicians and other members will have received the COVID-19 vaccine, experts are expecting a decrease in COVID-19 cases by Spring 2021 and travel restrictions will likely be more relaxed come June. That said, the New Orleans Marriott will be masked-up and ready to welcome us on our new Annual Conference date with proper social distancing.
Another item of note regarding the OrthoForum Annual Conference is that, for the first time, the Annual Conference is open to both OrthoForum and OrthoConnect members. We are excited to host a combined event to provide enhanced member networking for both groups. Furthermore, we are thrilled to share the great content, notable speakers and informative pre-conference sessions that you’ve come to expect at the Annual Conference with a wider audience. More information to come.
2021 Meeting Schedule
- OrthoForum Therapy Services Meeting
May 19 – 20, 2021 at the JW Marriott Washington, DC (Washington, DC) - OrthoConnect Annual Conference
May 20 – 22, 2021 at the JW Marriott Washington, DC (Washington, DC) - OrthoForum Annual Conference
June 10 – 12, 2021 at the New Orleans Marriott (New Orleans, LA) - Asheville OrthoForum & Atlantic OrthoForum Combined Meeting
August 5 – 7, 2021 at the Omni Louisville Hotel (Louisville, KY) - OrthoASC Meeting & OrthoHospital Meeting
August 12 – 14, 2021 at the Ballantyne Hotel (Charlotte, NC) - Western OrthoForum Meeting
August 26 – 28, 2021 at the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (Half Moon Bay, CA) - Reynolds OrthoForum Meeting
September 16 – 18, 2021 at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (Austin, TX)
BENCHMARKING DATA SUBMISSION REMINDERS
The annual benchmarking files have been emailed and the deadlines for the data submissions are as follows:
OrthoConnect Practices – February 15, 2021
OrthoASC and OrthoHospital – March 15, 2021
OrthoForum Practices – April 1, 2021
If you have any questions, please contact Mandi Clossey, Somerset CPAs and Advisors Principal, at MClossey@somersetcpas.com.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
The Board of the OrthoForum is looking forward to representing all of you in 2021. That said, there have been some changes to our membership as the new year begins.
The following members have been re-elected to serve a three-year term:
Bruce Cohen, M.D., CEO, OrthoCarolina – Asheville Forum
Don Schreiner, CEO, OrthoIllinois – Asheville Forum
Giri Burra, M.D., IBJI – At Large Physician
Michael Pendleton, CEO of Desert Orthopaedics representing the Western Forum, decided to step down from the Board at the end of his term. So, a new election was held and Keith Clark, CEO of Slocum Center for Orthopedics, was elected by the Western Forum members.
Other returning members of the Board include:
Asheville Forum
AnnMargaret McCraw, CEO, Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery
Atlantic Forum
Lenny Goldstock, M.D., OrthoNY
Mark Didier, CEO, Tallahassee Orthopaedic Clinic
Mike Humphrey, CEO, Syracuse Orthopaedic Specialists
Reynolds Forum
Chuck Bush-Joseph, M.D., Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush
Gene Austin, CEO, Columbia Orthopaedic Group
Becky Farmer, CEO, Center for Sports Medicine
Western Forum
Tom Friermood, M.D., Panorama Orthopaedics
Lisa Mead, CEO, Reno Orthopaedic Clinic
At Large Physicians
Tom Dimmig, M.D., EmergeOrtho
Arthur Valadie, M.D., Coastal Orthopaedics
Others
Mike McCaslin, Principal, Somerset CPAs and Advisors
Glenn Sumner, CEO, The OrthoForum
See more about your OrthoForum Board of Directors in the Spotlight section below.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
The OrthoForum opens its membership to invite new groups to join at the end of each calendar year. We choose this period to ensure that new members have an adequate amount of time to complete their benchmarking survey before the reports are released in the following summer. For various reasons, including the consequences of the pandemic, we will not add any members for 2021. We will add 4-5 new OrthoConnect members.
That said, several Forum groups have experienced significant growth through mergers. Below is a summary of the recent mergers for which we are aware:
OrthoLoneStar (newly formed as of 10/01/20)
- OrthoForum members – Fondren Orthopedic Group, Carrell Clinic, Azalea Orthopaedics, Texas Orthopaedics, Sports and Rehab Assoc.
- OrthoConnect members – Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Texas Orthopedic Associates
- In total OrthoLoneStar will include 154 physicians with plans to add more groups
Illinois Bone and Joint Clinic (folded in five groups in 2020 including)
- OrthoForum member – Hinsdale Orthopaedic Associates
- OrthoConnect member – Orthopaedic Associates of Kankakee
- In total IBJI now has 156 physicians
Florida Orthopaedic Institute
- Merged with two other groups in the Tampa Bay area adding almost 50 physicians bringing the total number to over 90
Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics
- In the midst of merging with two other groups that together will total about 35 physicians and will adopt a new name, Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
- Merged two practices into the group adding approximately 40 physicians and bringing the total to over 100
OrthoCincy
- In the midst of a merger that adds the old Wellington Ortho group with 16 physicians that once was a member of the Asheville Forum
- After the merger OrthoCincy will have 45 physicians
In addition, many member groups have added physicians through recruiting and organic growth. Based on the most recent benchmarking data our membership covers:
- 95 groups
- Approximately 4,100 physicians
- 41 states (there are OrthoConnect groups in four more states for a total of 45)
- OrthoConnect adds 55 more groups and about 750 more physicians
We apologize if your group was missed in this summary. Unfortunately, we don’t always receive word about the changes. If there are any changes within your practice that we should know about, please contact Vanessa Helgerson, Member Success Manager, at vhelgerson@theorthoforum.com.
STAYING IN TOUCH WITH THE ORTHOFORUM
To keep you informed of OrthoForum activities, here is a summary of several ongoing projects.
Trending Topics
Our new Trending Topics webinars, which started in the fall of last year, were met with enthusiasm by webinar attendees and will continue in 2021. The objective of these meetings is to inform you regarding pertinent topics in healthcare throughout the year. We plan to hold one webinar per month and will send out calendar invitations to relevant groups of OrthoForum members once they have been scheduled. Of course, all OrthoForum and OrthoConnect members are invited to attend any Trending Topics webinar, so feel free to forward invitations to others in your group when you receive them.
Some Trending Topics webinars have already been scheduled, specifically for the C-Suite audience.
- February 18, 2021, at 2:00 pm ET – Health Rosetta Employer Summit
Please join your OrthoForum and OrthoConnect peers on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 2:00 pm ET to learn more about Health Rosetta and its mission to directly connect providers with employers. Dave Chase, Health Rosetta Founder, and CEO will educate attendees on this challenging, but rewarding new way to deliver care and better meet patient expectations. We look forward to this conversation about relocalizing healthcare from a physician AND employer perspective.
- April 15, 2021, at 2:00 pm ET – C-Suite Focused, Content TBD
- November 18, 2021, at 2:00 pm ET – C-Suite Focused, Content TBD
When additional Trending Topics webinars are scheduled, we will let you know. To receive information about our Health Rosetta Employer Summit webinar (2/18) or for general questions, contact Vanessa Helgerson, Member Success Manager, at vhelgerson@theorthoforum.com.
OrthoForum Newsletters
Want to stay up to date on OrthoForum news and initiatives? The OrthoForum sends out two different newsletters throughout the year: Forum Focus and Advocacy Insights. The Forum Focus newsletter, which you are viewing now, goes out three times a year and features conference information, details on various initiatives and updates from the OrthoForum Board of Directors. Advocacy Insights is sent out four times per year and is dedicated to updating our membership on the work of our lobbying firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, and our Advocacy Committee and subcommittees. If any of your colleagues would like to be added to our distribution lists, contact Rachel Riley, Conference and Communications Manager, at rriley@theorthoforum.com.
OrthoForum Social Media
The OrthoForum has made the strategic decision to establish a more robust public-facing image. Social media has proven an effective way to engage with our members and the larger healthcare community. We are utilizing our social media platforms to reach our audience with original content, member news, reposts from valuable articles and thought leaders, conference information and more. We began our efforts just 7 months ago and have grown to over 1,000 followers on LinkedIn. If you haven’t begun following us on LinkedIn, please take a moment to do so @TheOrthoForum on LinkedIn. We also have an OrthoForum presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
If your practice has newsworthy content and would like to be featured on the OrthoForum social media platforms, contact Rachel Riley, Conference and Communications Manager, at rriley@theorthoforum.com.
We appreciate your help and thank you for your support!
AAOS NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Clearly, there is a need for more independent practice representation in the AAOS leadership. To that end, the OrthoForum Board of Directors has established a Task Force to develop a mechanism to ensure that OrthoForum/OrthoConnect members are elected to the AAOS Nominating Committee.
The Task Force is charged with developing a plan to bring together both OrthoForum and OrthoConnect AAOS members for the purpose of electing AAOS Nominating Committee members from our membership. The goal is to elect enough AAOS Nominating Committee members so that Wilford Gibson, M.D. from Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists in Virginia Beach, VA is nominated as AAOS 2nd Vice President.
Task Force members are Richard Bruch, M.D., Bruce Cohen, M.D. from OrthoCarolina, Tom Friermood, M.D. from Panorama Orthopaedics and Charles Bush-Joseph, M.D. from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush.
Please email Dr. Richard Bruch with suggestions of how to achieve this goal: rich.bruch@gmail.com
As an OrthoForum member, one of your most valuable resources is each other. With OrthoForum Vendor Grades, we hope to harness the power of our network by providing a common place for vendor ratings and reviews, helping you make well-informed decisions about orthopaedic products and services. Vendor Grades is for OrthoForum members, by OrthoForum members so you are ensured honest feedback from peers that have had direct experience with the vendors listed. Leave Reviews. Check Ratings. Gain Insight.
To access OrthoForum Vendor Grades, visit vendorgrades.theorthoforum.com. You can also find Vendor Grades by visiting theorthoforum.com. Simply log in, click on the Members page and find Vendor Grades in the blue navigation menu.
OrthoForum Vendor Grades – Just another way to make the most out of your membership!
ORTHOFORUM PURCHASING ALLIANCE
The OrthoForum Purchasing Alliance (OPA) has had an excellent year of growth due to significant participation by the OrthoForum and OrthoConnect practices. Purchase volume increased by 30% in 2020 as a result of a combination of contract connection reviews, cost savings analysis and increased communication with distributors.
In addition, almost 45% of all groups have found significant savings by taking advantage of our strategic partnership with Vanderbilt Health Purchasing Collaborative, which has resulted in over $1 million in overall savings. “The value-add that the OPA contributes to my world is a vital resource, connecting me to what’s going on in the contract world,” Darlene Londeree, State Supply Chain Manager at OrthoVirginia, attests. “The partnership with OPA and Vanderbilt gives me visibility to cost savings. I would say 90% of the time, the Vanderbilt contract lowers prices significantly and that’s a big win for us. Being able to tap into hospital pricing as a non-acute facility has been very beneficial.”
Faith Miller, Materials Manager at Knoxville Orthopaedic Surgery Center, shares her experience as an OPA member: “When contract issues or questions arise, Stacey and the other members of the (OPA) team are able to provide quick responses. They are able to make sure we are tied to the correct Tiered Pricing to help assure we do not have unnecessary spend. Through the trials and unique environment over the last year they have provided not only contracting help but also help in finding and securing items for the OrthoForum organization. We are happy to have them as an important corporate partner.”
In 2021, there will be a continued focus on increased engagement from groups. The OPA continues to evaluate strategic partnerships with suppliers, where aggregation is beneficial.
Contact Dave Stridde, OPA Director, at dstridde@theorthoforum.com or Stacey Bodkins, OPA Operations Manager, at sbodkins@theorthoforum.com to learn more.
SPOTLIGHT
Meet your Board of Directors
Gene Austin, CEO
Columbia Orthopaedic Group
g.austin@columbiaorthogroup.com
Gene Austin is the Chief Executive Officer of the Columbia Orthopaedic Group, a 27 physician sub-specialized orthopaedic practice located in Columbia Missouri.
Giri Burra, M.D.
Hinsdale Orthopaedic Associates
Graduating from medical school at the age of twenty-three, Dr. Giridhar Burra has spent thirty-three years in the practice of medicine in various capacities. Burra currently serves on the Board of IBJI, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, the largest MSK practice in the state of Illinois.
Chuck Bush-Joseph, M.D.
Midwest Orthopaedic at Rush
Dr. Bush-Joseph is currently a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. A Past President of the AOSSM, Dr. Bush-Joseph serves on many corporate boards in including Rush Health, OrthoForum, and the AOSSM Medical Publishing Board.
Keith Clark, CEO
Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Keith Clark started his career in health care as an ATC (Athletic Trainer) and PTA. He then worked 3 years as an assistant trainer for San Diego Chargers. Later, Clark moved to healthcare administration early 1990’s and spent 15 years working in ambulatory health care.
Bruce Cohen, M.D., CEO
OrthoCarolina
Dr. Cohen has served in a leadership capacity throughout his tenure with OrthoCarolina, including serving as vice-chairman of the Board of Directors and chair of the Operations Committee as OrthoCarolina established itself as a nationally-recognized model for patient success and value-based care.
Mark Didier, CEO
Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic
Mark Didier was elected the Chief Executive Officer of Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic in July 2015 after an extensive nationwide search. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Didier is responsible for providing leadership, strategic vision and for directing the overall management, operations, and future growth of Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic.
Tom Dimmig, M.D.
EmergeOrtho
Dimmig offers his extensive orthopedic expertise to EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region patients as part of the Back, Neck, and Spine Team. Dr. Dimmig practices at North Carolina Specialty Hospital, and has been in practice since 1984 with EmergeOrtho. Dr. Dimmig has a broad range of experience in orthopedic problems, with particular emphasis and expertise in conditions and injuries of the back, neck, and spine
Rebecca Farmer, CEO
Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics
Becky Farmer has made a significant impact as an innovator and dedicated leader as CEO at Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics. One of her many roles includes physician recruitment and she has strategically expanded the staff from 8 physicians to 22 physicians, 9 extenders and 480 employees.
Tom Friermood, M.D.
Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center
As member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Board of Councilors and a board member of the Colorado Orthopedic Society, Dr. Friermood is involved on a state and national level supporting patient advocacy. He is also a Board of Councilor Member for the AAOS and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Lenny Goldstock, M.D.
OrthoNY
Dr. Goldstock specializes in surgery of the hand and upper extremity, but also maintains a busy practice in general orthopaedics. He is an active member of the medical educational community. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He held the role of Chief of Orthopaedics at Seton Health System/St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy from April, 2001 through December, 2003. Dr. Goldstock has served as the Chairman of the Board of the Executive Woods Ambulatory Surgery Center. He also served as President of Northeast Orthopedics and OrthoNY.
Michael Humphrey, CEO
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
A native and resident of Upstate , NY for my whole life. Graduate of Utica College with degree in Accounting. CPA with 15 years of Hospital financial and management experience prior to joining SOS. Have been the CEO of SOS for 17 years.
Mike McCaslin, Principal
Somerset CPAs and Advisors
As a principal in our health care group, Mike has many areas of expertise which include the development of health care delivery systems and multi-physician specialty organizations, and the negotiation of physician and hospital relationships.
AnnMargaret McCraw, CEO
Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
AnnMargaret is a self-declared life-long learner who treasures innovation, collaboration and efficiency. She wants healthcare to work better. She is a fierce proponent of cost transparency and disruptive innovation within the healthcare marketplace, with a particular focus on the roles of independent physician practice and ambulatory surgery centers.
Lisa Mead, CEO
Reno Orthopaedic Clinic
Lisa has been on the OrthoForum Board of Directors for 2 years. She has been in healthcare administration for 33 years, including private practice, hospital administration, and academic medicine. Lisa has served as the CEO of Reno Orthopedic Clinic for 16 years.
Don Schreiner, CEO
OrthoIllinois
Don has 21 years at Orthoillinois starting at COO to current CEO for the last 16 years. Don earned a Bachelor’s in Business and an MBA from Univ of Toledo. He is a Past Board member from 2008-2016, and Board President of AAOE 2014-2015. Current Board member of The OrthoForum 2018-2020.
Glenn Sumner, CEO
The OrthoForum
For over thirty-five years Mr. Sumner has held a variety of positions in healthcare management and consulting. After a long career as a physician practice executive, he is now the President and CEO of The OrthoForum, Inc. Mr. Sumner co-founded the OrthoForum in 2001 which is a consortium of large, privately owned orthopaedic groups.
Arthur Valadie, M.D.
Coastal Orthopedics
ArthurV@coastalorthopedics.com
Dr. Valadie is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and knee & shoulder reconstruction. Dr. Valadie has been the Physician President of Coastal Orthopedics since 2007. He serves as the sports medicine physician to the Pittsburgh Pirates and U.S. Soccer Team.
