Current issues in health policy: a primer for the orthopaedic surgeon.

Political, social, and economic forces occupy an increasingly larger role in health care. It is essential that orthopaedic surgeons become familiar with the ever-changing landscape within which they practice. Greater comprehension of the current issues in health policy will enable practitioners to appreciate these issues and understand the importance of the involvement of the AAOS in the political process. Five topics in particular will continue to have a great impact on the practice of orthopaedic surgery: the flawed Medicare payment formula, implementation of a pay-for-performance program, the creation of gainsharing agreements between hospitals and physicians, the medical liability crisis, and the importance of advocacy with the political action committee of the AAOS.