On Nov. 2, CMS released the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which updated the conversion factor to $32.74, a 3.4% decrease compared to last year.

Here are 15 orthopedic surgeons who recently joined new practices, added to their titles or left longtime roles, as reported by Becker's since Nov. 9:

Pocatello, Idaho-based Portneuf Health Partners, which owns and operates Portneuf Medical Center, Portneuf Quality Alliance, Portneuf Sports Medicine Institute and several physician practices, has warned patients that a ransomware attack targeting parent company Ardent Health Services may have compromised patient information, according to a Nov. 30 report on JDSupra by the law firm Console and Associates.

Orthopedic-focused medical technology company Enovis is set to undergo a leadership transition following the announcement that current President and COO Brady Shirley plans to step down in 2024. 

James Andrews, MD, will be honored with the 2023 Alabama Football Legend Award from Regions Bank, NBC affiliate WSFA reported Dec. 5.

The University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medicine Center for Orthopaedics and Physical Performance opened for outpatient services at The Marketplace Mall, Rochester Business Journal reported Dec. 5.

As healthcare continued to evolve in 2023, five orthopedic and spine practices closed their doors permanently, some with plans to open new facilities in their place. 

There are several orthopedic leaders around the world making tough decisions and leading their team to greatness. But what separates the good orthopedic leaders from the great?

Beginning Dec. 4, Hanover, Pa.-based WellSpan Health & Surgery Center will become the first ASC in the system to provide same-day total joint replacements for hips and knees. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has opened its newly expanded Sports and Exercise Medicine Clinic, supported by UAB's departments of family and community medicine, orthopedic surgery, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Maine has been named the most injury-prone state in the U.S., with the highest number of resident emergency room visits relative to its population size, according to research from pain management specialists New York Pain Care. 

Orthopedic surgeon Christopher Dale, MD, has joined the staff at Janesville, Wis.-based Mercyhealth East, according to a Dec. 4 report from the Gazette Xtra.

Carmel, N.Y.-based Somers Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Group has completed its first bridge-enhanced ACL repair, or BEAR, implant procedure for ACL restoration, according to a Nov. 30 LinkedIn post.

Central Maine Health Ventures, a subsidiary of Auburn-based Central Maine Healthcare, is attempting to acquire full ownership of its orthopedic ASC, Central Maine Orthopaedics Ambulatory Surgical Center in Auburn, according to a Dec. 1 report from the Sun Journal.

Here are five orthopedic surgeons making waves in the industry:

George Russell, MD, was named chief of orthopedic trauma at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s department of orthopedic surgery, according to a Dec. 4 news release. 

Orthopedic surgeon pay has climbed steadily over the last five years. Meanwhile, over the last three years, the CMS physician fee schedule has continued dipping.

NHL players Dougie Hamilton and Tomas Nosek of the New Jersey Devils are both out indefinitely following orthopedic procedures to treat injuries suffered during gameplay. 

Kamaljeet Banga, MD, will join the orthopedic team at Hamilton, N.Y.-based Community Memorial Hospital. 

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provided grants to 17 recipients as part of the 2024 AAOS IDEA Grant Program, according to a Dec. 1 news release.