BOARD CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY GUIDES Lower Extremity Trauma
[Click on Image to Enlarge]
ME-P Free Advertising Consultation
The “Medical Executive-Post” is about connecting doctors, health care executives and modern consulting advisors. It’s about free-enterprise, business, practice, policy, personal financial planning and wealth building capitalism. We have an attitude that’s independent, outspoken, intelligent and so Next-Gen; often edgy, usually controversial. And, our consultants “got fly”, just like U. Read it! Write it! Post it! “Medical Executive-Post”. Call or email us for your FREE advertising and sales consultation TODAY [678.779.8597] Email: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
Medical & Surgical e-Consent Forms
ePodiatryConsentForms.com
iMBA Inc., OFFICES
Suite #5901 Wilbanks Drive, Norcross, Georgia, 30092 USA [1.678.779.8597]. Our location is real and we are now virtually enabled to assist new long distance clients and out-of-town colleagues.
ME-P Publishing
SEEKING INDUSTRY INFO PARTNERS?
If you want the opportunity to work with leading health care industry insiders, innovators and watchers, the “ME-P” may be right for you? We are unbiased and operate at the nexus of theoretical and applied R&D. Collaborate with us and you’ll put your brand in front of a smart & tightly focused demographic; one at the forefront of our emerging healthcare free marketplace of informed and professional “movers and shakers.” Our Ad Rate Card is available upon request [678-779-8597].
Posted on November 7, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
An October 2025 Health Affairs study found that payment equity between facilities owned by hospitals, known as hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), and independent outpatient facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), is still far from reality. Comparing payments for common procedures, researchers found commercial prices were 78% higher in HOPDs compared to ASCs, although payment differentials varied considerably.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the article and potential policy implications. (Read more…)
Posted on November 3, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
***
***
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
On October 23, 2025, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers expressed support during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing for reforming the 340B Drug Discount Program. Although senators acknowledged that any reform would necessitate an intentional, considered approach to mitigate unintended consequences, the bipartisan agreement (particularly during a government shutdown deadlocked on healthcare) indicates that changes to the program may be on the horizon.
This Health Capital Topics article outlines the 340B program, discusses issues that have made the program controversial, and discusses potential reform options. (Read more…)
Posted on November 2, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
Since lawmakers failed to pass a bill to fund the federal government before the September 30, 2025 deadline, lawmakers have remained deadlocked over the spending bill. The deadlock is centered on the continuation of health insurance exchange subsidies, but the shutdown has broader implications on the healthcare industry.
This Health Capital Topics article provides an update on the continuing saga. (Read more…)
Posted on October 1, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
BREAKING NEWS!
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN
***
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
With hours to go until the midnight deadline on September 30th, 2025 to fund the government, lawmakers appear deadlocked over whether certain healthcare provisions should be included in the temporary funding bill.
Should this deadlock continue, the federal government will shut down beginning today October 1st and remain shut down until that deadlock is resolved.
This Health Capital Topics article provides an update on the developing saga. (Read more…)
Posted on September 7, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
A recent study of hospital physician acquisition and employment found that such acquisitions decrease competition and raise prices. A National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) working paper, released in July 2025, “empirically analyze[d] the effects of mergers between complementary firms on competition and pricing,” and found hospital prices increased by an average of 3.3%, while physician prices increased by an average of 15.1%.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the study’s findings and implications for the healthcare industry. (Read more…)
Posted on September 5, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
U.S. Department for Health & Human Services & Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
On August 21, 2025, the U.S. Department for Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the formation of a new Healthcare Advisory Committee.
The Committee is expected to be comprised of a group of experts who will make strategic recommendations to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.
This Health Capital Topics article discusses this announcement and potential implications on the healthcare industry. (Read more…)
Posted on September 3, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System
***
***
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
On July 31, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its finalized payment and policy updates for the Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and the Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
The final rule authorized Medicare inpatient reimbursement increases for 2026 and moved forward with improvements to quality measurement, and provided more information on a new value-based payment model.
This Health Capital Topics article will discuss the IPPS final rule and stakeholder reactions. (Read more…)
Posted on July 13, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants LLC
***
***
On June 25th, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its forecast on U.S. healthcare spending through 2033. The analysis, published in Health Affairs, estimated healthcare spending growth in 2024 and projected the growth into 2033. CMS found that overall healthcare spending growth has decreased slightly but is still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, and is expected to continue to moderately grow.
This Health Capital Topics article examines the factors underlying the forecasts. (Read more…)
Posted on July 6, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants LLC
***
***
On June 9th, 2025, Oregon’s governor signed into law the country’s strictest corporate practice of medicine (CPOM) prohibition. Senate Bill (SB) 951 will severely curtail the involvement of private equity firms and other corporations in the state’s medical practices.
This Health Capital Topics reviews the bill and discusses the implications on the healthcare industry. (Read more…)
Posted on June 30, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants; LLC
***
***
On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives moved President Trump’s budget proposal forward, sending to the Senate a budget reconciliation bill (with a one-vote margin) – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 – that renews expiring tax cuts and enacts new ones at a cost of almost $4 trillion. These costs would largely be paid for by cuts to other programs, including to federal healthcare programs, which cuts will have significant ramifications for the healthcare industry.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the current status of the budget bill and healthcare industry implications. (Read more…)
Posted on June 10, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
On May 13th, 2025, the CMS Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) introduced a new strategic plan for its models going forward. After ending four payment models early and canceling two not-yet-implemented models in March 2025, the agency had promised to release a new strategy. Nearly two weeks later, CMMI released that strategy, as well as a preliminary evaluation of, and changes to, one of its core payment models.
This Health Capital Topics article will review CMMI’s recent actions and what initial indications these actions provide. (Read more…)
Posted on June 5, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
On April 11th, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed rules for the payment and policy updates for the Medicare inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) and long-term care hospital prospective payment system (LTCH PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
This Health Capital Topics article will discuss the proposed rule and the implications for stakeholders. (Read more…)
Posted on June 3, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
A recent joint report by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations (NAACOS) and Innovaccer Inc., a healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) company, found tangible evidence that the U.S. healthcare delivery system is indeed moving toward value-based care (VBC).
Fifteen years after the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which promoted VBC through the advent of ACOs and other alternative payment models, there is finally evidence that providers are actually moving in that direction.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the joint report on “The State and Science of Value-based Care 2025.”(Read more…)
Posted on May 4, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants LLC
***
***
During the first 90 days of the Republican Party’s government trifecta (controlling the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives), both the Trump Administration and Congress have laid the groundwork for seismic change to the U.S. healthcare industry.
In an attempt to track the latest actions of the federal government’s legislative and executive branches affecting the healthcare industry since the first installment in our February issue, this Health Capital Topics article summarizes recent events in Washington and the impact of these changes on providers and patients. (Read more…)
Posted on May 1, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants LLC
***
***
While the healthcare industry has been dealing with high employee turnover since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that turnover was largely among clinical staff.
However, a recent survey found that significant healthcare leadership turnover may also be on the horizon. AMN Healthcare subsidiary B.E. Smith found that nearly half of healthcare executives plan to leave their organization in the next year.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the survey and the reasons behind the intended exits. (Read more…)
Posted on April 28, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants LLC
***
***
On April 7, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published their 2026 Rate Announcement for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.
For 2026, the payment rate to MA plans will increase 5.06%, the largest increase in the past ten years, and up significantly from the 2.2% rate increase proposed by the Biden Administration.
This Health Capital Topics article will review the Rate Announcement.(Read more…)
On March 15th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution (CR) that avoided a government shutdown and funds the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, i.e., through September 30th, 2025.
Perhaps more notable than what was included in the spending bill was what was once again excluded. While the COVID-era tele-health waivers were temporarily extended, Medicare physician payment rates were not addressed, meaning physicians will continue experiencing a 2.93% pay cut for 2025.
This Health Capital Topics article discusses the healthcare provisions included in and excluded from the CR, and the impacts on healthcare providers. (Read more…)
In the latest iteration of Trump Administration healthcare cuts, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on March 12th, 2025 that four Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) payment models would be sunset at the end of 2025, earlier than originally scheduled.
Cutting these models, which decision was based on “a comprehensive and data-driven review of [CMS’s] model portfolio,” are anticipated to save nearly $750 million (although the source of these savings was not detailed).
This Health Capital Topics article discusses the models being ended and the impact on healthcare stakeholders. (Read more…)
In the first month of 2025, hospital revenue and expenses both increased, balancing each other out and resulting in continued steady financial performance for hospitals, according to Kaufman Hall’s January 2025 National Hospital Flash Report.
Revenues grew more quickly in the inpatient setting, as more patients were treated in the hospital and emergency department than in outpatient settings. While expense increases were largely driven by drug costs, the rate of that growth has significantly slowed.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews the report and the current state of hospital operations. (Read more…)
Posted on March 21, 2025 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
The term “value” has many different meanings and definitions to different parties. Therefore, at the outset of each valuation engagement, it is critical to define appropriately (and have all parties agree to) the standard of value to be employed in developing the valuation opinion.
The standard of value defines the type of value to be determined and answers the question “value to whom?” There are several standards of value that may be sought, including: Fair Market Value (FMV), Fair Value, Investment Value, and Liquidation Value. (Read more...)
Posted on December 6, 2024 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
On November 1, 2024, CMS released its Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Final Rule for calendar year 2025. The rule finalizes payment updates, revises current programs, and establishes new standards to address the ongoing maternal health crisis.
This Health Capital Topics article discusses the key OPPS changes and updates included in the Final Rule. (Read more…)
Posted on December 4, 2024 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
On November 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its finalized Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2025, aiming “to strengthen primary care, expand access to preventive services, and further access to whole-person care.” While the finalized fee schedule cuts payments to physicians, Congress is considering legislation to override the cut.
This Health Capital Topics article discusses the provisions contained in the MPFS final rule, as well as the proposed “doc fix” legislation. (Read more…)
Posted on December 1, 2024 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATIONS
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
On October 29, 2024, CMS announced Performance Year (PY) 2023 results for accountable care organizations (ACOs) participating its Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). Notably, MSSP ACOs garnered the largest net savings in MSSP’s history – more than $2.1 billion.
This Health Capital Topics article discusses MSSP performance in 2023 and how this may inform value-based care going forward. (Read more…)
Posted on November 25, 2024 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
Technological advancements have accelerated the shift of healthcare services from inpatient to outpatient settings, creating both opportunities and challenges for hospitals. For instance, minimally invasive procedures often serve as alternatives to traditional, more invasive surgeries. Additionally, the integration of telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance access to and quality of care while reducing expenditures and administrative burdens.
This final installment of a five-part series on the valuation of hospitals examines the technological advancements transforming the industry. (Read more…)
Nearly one year removed from the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the healthcare industry expects a number of new opportunities in 2024, despite lingering challenges exposed by the pandemic. For example, healthcare organizations anticipate issues related to workforce shortages and legislative challenges; however, the industry also expects that opportunities emanating from technological advancements will allow them to grow and transform.
This Health Capital Topics article reviews anticipated U.S. healthcare industry activity for 2024 as well as trends that may drive change in the industry. (Read more…)
Posted on August 17, 2023 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the utilization of algorithms to create content such as text, code, imagery, videos, and even simulations in mere seconds. The goal of AI generally is to mimic the intelligence of humans to perform tasks, with generative AI (a type of AI) aiming to learn from data without the assistance of humans. While today’s generative AI bots are not yet prepared for widespread utilization in patient care settings, AI is garnering significant interest in the healthcare industry as providers begin to test the capabilities of AI in clinics and offices.
This Health Capital Topics article will review the role that generative AI is beginning to play in the U.S. healthcare system, the potential of AI in healthcare, and concerns related to the technology. (Read more…)
Posted on July 31, 2023 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
As of the first quarter of 2022, 1,010 accountable care organizations (ACOs), comprising 1,760 private and public ACO contracts that covered 32 million beneficiaries, operated across the U.S. And, the majority of these ACOs were physician-led (41%), rather than hospital-led (26%) or jointly-led (27%) ACOs.
While the number of ACOs have steadily increased over the past several years, ACO growth has slowed, and even slightly decreased, in the past couple of years; this may be explained by shifts in federal government programs that are pushing all ACOs to take on downside risk at a faster pace. (Read more…)
Posted on April 12, 2023 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
By Health Capital Consultants, LLC
***
***
GROWING SCRUTINY OF TELE-MEDICINE
On July 20, 2022, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released a Special Fraud Alert on telemedicine. On the same day, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a “nationwide coordinated law enforcement action” against 36 defendants, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Program Integrity announced administrative actions against 52 providers, related to alleged telemedicine arrangements. These coordinated actions indicate a growing scrutiny of telemedicine arrangements by federal government regulators. (Read more...)
On December 6, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a modernization of the prior authorization process for health insurance. The proposed rule seeks to require certain insurers to implement electronic prior authorization, shorten decision timeframes, and make the process more transparent and efficient.
The rule includes “five key provisions and five Requests for Information,” aiming to “improve patient and provider access to health information and streamline processes related to prior authorization for medical items and services.” This Health Capital Topics article will review those provisions and requests for information, as well as stakeholder responses to the proposals. (Read more…)
On July 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year (CY) 2023. Arguably the most noteworthy provision in the proposed rule is the agency’s suggested cut to physician payments. However, the rule also includes a number of other policy proposals, including changes to Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs), behavioral health care, cancer screening, and dental care. (Read more…)
Many accountable care organizations (ACOs) received disappointing news on May 21, 2021, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) announced that it would not be extending the Next Generation ACO (NGACO) model for 2022.
After five years and a dwindling number of participating ACOs, experts were split on whether or not CMS should keep the model in place for another year. On one hand, stakeholders have argued for the NGACO model’s extension until it can be replaced with or integrated into another program; howowever, others asserted that resources could not be properly invested with only one more year left in the program. (Read more…)
Posted on June 11, 2021 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Bhagwan Satiani, MD, MBA, DFSVS, FACHE, FACS
Todd A. Zigrang, MBA, MHA, FACHE, CVA, ASA
Jessica L. Bailey-Wheaton, JD
ABSTRACT
The appropriate focus in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has been addressing access and delivery of care to the population affected by the outbreak. All sectors of the U.S. economy have been significantly affected,including physicians. Physician groups of all specialties and sizes have experienced the financial effects of the pandemic.Hospitals have received billions of dollars to support and enable them to manage emergencies and cover the costs of the disruption.
However, many vascular surgeons are under great financial pressure because of the postponement of all non-emergency procedures. The federal government has announced a myriad of programs in the form of grants and loans to reimburse physicians for some of their expenses and loss of revenue. It is more than likely that unless the public health emergency subsides significantly, many practices will experience dire consequences without additional financial assistance.
The authors have attempted to provide a concise listing of such programs and resources available to assist vascular surgeons who are small businesses in accessing these opportunities.
Posted on May 9, 2021 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
A look at the President’s expressed priorities and actions to date
By Todd Zigrang, MBA, MHA, FACHE, CVA, ASA
By Jessica Bailey-Wheaton, Esq.
Health Capital Consultants, LLC
On January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other concerns and long-standing issues, health care has become a central political issue and was hotly contested during the 2020 presidential debates.
A look at President Biden’s expressed priorities, signed executive orders, cabinet nominations and agency appointments during his first months in office provides indications as to the future—at least the short-term future—of U.S. health care.
Support our online development, and advance our onground research initiatives in free market economics, as we seek to showcase the brightest Next-Gen minds.
THE ME-P DISCLAIMER: Posts, comments and opinions do not necessarily represent iMBA, Inc., but become our property after submission. Copyright © 2006 to-date. iMBA, Inc allows colleges, universities, medical and financial professionals and related clinics, hospitals and non-profit healthcare organizations to distribute our proprietary essays, photos, videos, audios and other documents; etc. However, please review copyright and usage information for each individual asset before submission to us, and/or placement on your publication or web site. Attestation references, citations and/or back-links are required. All other assets are property of the individual copyright holder.
The Leading Business Education Network for Doctors, Financial Advisors and Health Industry Consultants 