COVID-19 Resource Catalog-AAOS COVID-19 Letter to Congress April 2020

AAOS COVID-19 Letter to Congress April 2020

Pdf Summary

The undersigned organizations, representing the field of orthopaedic surgery, have written a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi requesting support for their practices, employees, and patients during the COVID-19 crisis. Orthopaedic surgeons are complying with guidance to postpone elective surgeries, resulting in significant financial impact on their practices. A survey conducted by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) found that practices are experiencing a sharp decline in case volumes, with over a third reporting financial losses of over $1 million. The ability of these practices to remain open and provide care post-crisis will directly impact the recovery of the economy. The organizations are asking Congress to take several steps in the next COVID-19 response legislation, including prioritizing relief for physician practices in danger of closing, extending the recoupment deadline for Medicare accelerated payments, passing legislation to support rural facilities and providers, expanding eligibility for forgivable loan programs for practices with over 500 employees, implementing liability protections for physicians working outside their normal practice area, and ensuring that physicians and healthcare workers are covered under paid sick leave provisions. The letter emphasizes the urgent need for a historic response from Congress to preserve orthopaedic surgeons as a vital resource in addressing the crisis and providing care when the pandemic is over. The organizations offer their assistance as a resource to Congress and provide contact information for further inquiries.

Keywords

orthopaedic surgery

COVID-19 crisis

support

practices

employees

patients

elective surgeries

financial impact

case volumes

financial losses