Genuine Patient-Physician Relationships at NOHC
March 17, 2008 – 9:07 amOrthopedic patients who are to undergo hip or knee replacement procedures should be aware of the recent settlement agreements between five orthopedic implant manufacturers and the U.S. Department of Justice. These settlements require that the orthopedic implant manufacturers post information on their financial relationships to orthopedic surgeons without any explanation as to why the payments were made. In addition, under terms of the settlement agreements, all companies are required to now post information on indirect payments to surgeons.
The relationship between orthopedic surgeons and industry is seen as important and necessary, but it must be carefully scrutinized to avoid the pitfalls of real or perceived conflicts of interest that could ultimately affect your care.
In late September, four orthopedic manufacturing companies entered into Deferred Prosecution Agreements, agreeing to pay civil settlements amounting to a total of $311 million. All companies will be subject to oversight by a federal monitor. Because of the spotlight shone on companies and orthopedic surgeons alike, the American Academy of Orthopedic surgeons has adopted Standards of Professionalism. I chose the issue of patient care, professionalism, and relations with industry as the subject matter for this week’s blog in emphasing the patient-physician relationship at the Neurologic & Orthopedic Hospital of Chicago. I feel compelled to tell you about my relationship with industry so you as a patient will know that those of us who practice orthopedic surgery at NOHC have no conflict of interest as we choose the best prosthetic alternative for giving you the best possible outcome with then longest possible survivorship. Yet it is my relation with industry that allowed me in 2001 to introduce the first minimally invasive, unicompartmental knee prosthesis with a 23 hour length of stay that led to the current minimally invasive, same day joint replacement phenomenon copied and marketed by others around the United States. And it is that relationship with industry that will allow NOHC to be the first Center in the Midwest to introduce the Hi Flex, Mobile Bearing Knee prosdtheis which I have introduced elsewhere in the world over the past five years
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