We’re proud to share that the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (NYSSOS) has been welcomed as the newest member of the Own the Bone® Organizational Alliance, a program of the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA). As part of this alliance, NYSSOS supports efforts to improve bone health by promoting coordinated care that goes beyond routine fracture treatment and ensures patients are educated about osteoporosis prevention and management.
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, an opportunity for health professionals, advocates, and patients to bring attention to this silent disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 53 million Americans have osteoporosis or are at high risk due to low bone mass.
Hospitals and practices are encouraged to show their commitment to bone health this month by:
Sharing Own the Bone’s featured LinkedIn posts thanking providers
Promoting steps for osteoporosis prevention in their communities
NYSSOS members can get involved by encouraging their institutions to participate in Own the Bone or by leading local efforts to raise awareness about fracture prevention, patient education, and coordinated post-fracture care. Participation not only supports improved patient outcomes but also helps demonstrate your leadership in advancing musculoskeletal health across New York State.
Member institutions can access the Own the Bone Media Kit, which includes sample press releases, event ideas, and other promotional tools. The kit is available under the Public Relations Tools section of the Own the Bone website. Star Performer institutions receive expanded access and customized resources.
To learn more or to get involved, contact the Own the Bone staff or visit www.ownthebone.org.
The New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (NYSSOS) has been actively engaged on multiple fronts to support the interests of orthopaedic surgeons and the patients we serve.
Last month, NYSSOS members traveled to Albany to meet with lawmakers and advocate for key legislative priorities. We were well received, and several legislators signed on to bills we discussed shortly after our meetings—a clear and encouraging sign of growing support for the issues that matter to our profession. This was a significant victory and a testament to the value of persistent, respectful advocacy.
We also recently met with representatives from the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, who are seeking to expand their surgical scope of practice beyond current limits. NYSSOS expressed strong concerns about proposals that would allow podiatrists to perform procedures such as total ankle replacements and pilon fracture treatments. While our discussions were productive, our message was clear: patient safety must remain the top priority. We shared this view directly with both state Assemblymembers and Senators and will continue to do so.
Last month we shared a message encouraging a vote of "No" on the proposed AAOS bylaw amendments. This recommendation followed a thorough review of both the existing bylaws and the proposed changes. One of our most pressing concerns is a provision that would allow the AAOS Board of Directors to remove any Fellow "with or without cause", a change we believe undermines transparency and due process.
While we respect and support the broader mission of AAOS, we are concerned these proposed bylaw changes may adversely impact members and the organization. Following our outreach, we had a thoughtful discussion with Dr. Ned Amendola, President of AAOS as well as received a written response. He acknowledged our concerns and shared that several other state societies have expressed similar reservations.
As with any important decision, differing opinions are expected, and in fact, they reflect the very spirit of advocacy and professional engagement that strengthens our field.We remain committed to working with the AAOS to foster unity within the orthopaedic community. We believe our strength lies in working together, sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and advocating for the highest standards of care for our patients.
The NYSSOS Board encourages all Fellows of the AAOS to read the bylaw documents carefully and make an informed decision when the ballots are released. We believe this is an important vote and will have significant ramifications for all members of the AAOS.
Your voice matters. If you missed the email to NYSSOS members regarding our concerns or would like to see AAOS response letter please feel free to contact membersupport@nyssos.org
Rick Weinstein, MD NYSSOS President
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Annual Meeting of the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This year’s conference offers a chance to stay current on key issues in orthopaedic care while connecting with colleagues in a beautiful setting.
We’ll gather at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, just west of Syracuse. With its nationally recognized golf courses, full-service spa, tennis and pickleball courts, and excellent dining options, it’s an ideal location to bring a colleague, guest, or family member.
Meeting Highlights:
Friday, September 5 – Welcome Reception
Saturday, September 6 – Full Day of Educational Programming + Chair Reception
Free time before and after to enjoy the resort or connect with colleagues
Please note: Our agenda is currently in development and will feature timely topics, expert faculty, and discussion relevant to your practice. You can view the preliminary agenda here: https://nyssos.org/Agenda
Registration Now Open Register Here
Reserve Your Room A limited number of rooms are available at a special NYSSOS group rate of $399/night. To book, call 1-800-771-7711 and reference the NYSSOS Annual Meeting. Rooms must be reserved by August 14, 2025 to secure the group rate.
The New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (NYSSOS) is sharing the information below concerning the upcoming vote to amend the Bylaws of the AAOS which will have an impact on governance and voting within the AAOS organization.
NYSSOS leadership has been involved in trying to amend these recommendations over the past 6-8 months. While some adjustments to the initial recommendations have been made for which we are thankful, NYSSOS remains concerned with several provisions:
Following a thorough review by the NYSSOS Board, NYSSOS recommends a NO vote on the proposed bylaw changes from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). We stand in alignment with our colleagues at both the California and Florida Orthopaedic Societies, who also oppose the current version of the proposed changes.
We encourage you to review all of the proposed amendments carefully and vote when the ballots are released. For questions or clarifications, AAOS leadership is available at governance@aaos.org or you may contact NYSSOS at info@nyssos.org.
Summary of Concerns We recognize the need for modernization and organizational efficiency, however we remain concerned about the implications these changes may have on democratic governance and member representation. We agree that it is important to adapt to current and future circumstances, but it is critical to remember the purpose of AAOS is to support the members.
With that in mind, we find the suggested changes may have consequences and affect the members of the AAOS in several ways:
The proposed changes eliminate the Board of Councilors’ formal authority under the bylaws to submit resolutions to the Fellowship. This may weaken an established mechanism for grassroots member advocacy to influence AAOS policies and gives the Board of Directors discretion over whether member-driven proposals move forward. In the past the resolutions process has brought great changes to the AAOS that have benefited all the members. The concern is that this will make it much harder for Fellows to bring resolutions to the membership and to a vote. Cited in: FAQ Section - How Will Resolutions be Handled Resolutions process is no longer part of the Association Bylaws (Article VII) and will be handled in a separate procedure book which will not be subject to a member vote to change.
Learn More about the AAOS Board of Councilors: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/leadership-governance/board-of-councilors/
Anyone interested in learning more about the proposed AAOS governance changes can visit the website: https://www.aaos.org/about/meet-aaos/proposed-governance-changes/
What is the Board of Councilors:
The Board of Councilors (BOC) represents the grassroots of the orthopaedic profession. Its 90-plus members are elected by state and regional orthopaedic societies. They also represent Puerto Rico, the U.S. military, Canada, and four regional societies. The BOC serves as an advisory body to the AAOS Board of Directors and a resource to AAOS committees.
In addition, the BOC manages AAOS' relations with the state and regional orthopaedic societies. This includes conducting a wide range of programs to strengthen and support the state and regional societies organizationally.
The New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (NYSSOS) is proud to present an evening of critical conversation and clinical strategy on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Brooklyn. Titled "Breaking Barriers, Not Bones: Advancing Osteoporosis Care in Orthopedic Surgery," this complimentary dinner symposium brings together leaders in orthopaedics to confront one of the most urgent, yet often overlooked, public health challenges of our time: osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive disease that affects over 54 million Americans and leads to more than 2 million fractures annually in the United States alone. Alarmingly, 1 in 2 women and up to 1 in 4 men over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime, yet most go undiagnosed and untreated. After a first fracture, patients are up to 86% more likely to suffer a second fracture, and subsequent fractures are 2 to 3 times more costly to the healthcare system than initial ones. Despite these dire statistics, only a small fraction of patients receive appropriate osteoporosis therapy following a fragility fracture.
This evening event will provide clinical tools and policy, focused insights to close this dangerous treatment gap. Participants will gain:
The United States consistently ranks among the lowest in treatment rates after osteoporotic hip fractures compared to peer nations. With the number of hip fractures projected to rise by 80% by 2050, the time for coordinated action is now. Models like Post-Fracture Care (PFC) programs have proven successful across health systems, reducing re-fracture rates, improving patient outcomes, and saving costs.
NYSSOS is committed to driving this change statewide, bridging the clinical care gap and advocating for sustainable healthcare policy that prioritizes bone health in vulnerable populations.
We invite you to be part of this change. Join us on May 22nd at Marco Polo Ristorante in Brooklyn for an evening of learning, networking, and mobilizing around a shared mission: preventing fractures before they happen.
Register today. Dinner is on us. Advocacy is on all of us.
For more details and registration, visit: https://nyssos.org
On April 7th, NYSSOS members from across the state came together in Albany for a highly successful Advocacy Day. With over 27 meetings held with legislators and their staff, we walked the halls of the Capitol to ensure your voice was heard on the most pressing medical-legal issues affecting orthopaedic practice in New York.
Key Issues Discussed:
Oppose S4423 / A6063 – The Grieving Families Act This bill could increase malpractice insurance premiums by nearly 50%, making it harder to maintain a viable practice in New York.
Support S1608 / A2305 – Strengthen Certificate of Merit Requirements Improves case legitimacy and transparency by reinforcing disclosure rules for expert witnesses in malpractice suits.
Support Workers’ Compensation Reform Advocating for fair reimbursement and policies that encourage physician participation in the system.
Support A3789 – Utilization Review Standards Seeks to streamline the administrative burden of utilization reviews and improve care delivery timelines.
Protect Scope of Practice – Oppose Unchecked Expansion We remain vigilant about proposals that expand podiatric surgery beyond appropriate training standards, which could jeopardize patient safety and the integrity of orthopaedic care.
Legislative Connections & Recognitions
This year’s Advocacy Day also featured meaningful conversations during our OrthoPAC reception with Senator Jessica Ramos, Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Assemblymember Sarah Clark. During our awards breakfast, we proudly presented Assemblymember Michaelle Solages with the 2024 Legislator of the Year Award for her leadership in advancing legislation to license athletic trainers and for supporting efforts to gather data on podiatric surgical privileges prior to any changes in scope of practice.
As a Society, we are committed to strengthening relationships with lawmakers. If you are interested in hosting or joining in-district meetings with your representatives, please let us know, we’re here to support you.
Support the OrthoPAC of New York
Your involvement makes a difference. The OrthoPAC of New York helps amplify our voice in Albany, and your contributions fuel that work. Every dollar supports our advocacy on behalf of orthopaedic surgeons statewide. Contribute today!
Every member of the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons has the opportunity to provide input regarding the development of policies and positions impacting orthopaedic surgeons and we encourage you to get involved!
Did you know?
Resolutions propose a course of action to change policy, laws and regulations at the state and federal levels.
Working with NYSSOS Board of Directors, NYSSOS members have prepared and advocated for Resolutions at the Medical State Society of New York (MSSNY) House of Delegates meeting that have covered a variety of issues including:
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) is taking important steps to improve practitioner utilization of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Registry. This essential public health tool plays a vital role in saving lives, improving patient care, and keeping New York State communities healthy.
Legal Requirement:
In New York State, providers are required by law to consult the PMP Registry before writing a prescription for a controlled substance, with a limited number of exceptions. *
In January 2024, the NYSDOH BNE distributed a survey to identify barriers to checking the PMP Registry and opportunities for improvement of provider compliance with New York State law. Based on responses to this survey, educational materials were developed to bridge gaps in knowledge around PMP Registry use.
To refresh your knowledge on the PMP Registry, please follow this link to view the first of such materials: New York State Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Registry: Legal Duty to Consult.
* 10NYCRR Part 80 Section 80.63(2)
Snowbird patients - those who travel to warmer states for the winter - pose unique challenges for healthcare providers.
Read advice from MLMIC experts on how to navigate these issues.
The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) continues its CMS-1500 webinar series this week, providing guidance to health care providers ahead of the August 1, 2025, deadline to electronically submit the CMS-1500 universal medical billing form through an approved electronic submission partner.
Webinar Details Date: January 15, 2025 Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Register Here
What You’ll Learn This free, one-hour session will cover:
There will also be a Q&A session at the end.
Additional Resources
Questions or Issues? Email: MDO@wcb.ny.gov Check the Webinar FAQs for troubleshooting help.
Advocating for the orthopaedic surgeon, patients and musculoskeletal health in New York.
info@nyssos.org 1-518-439-0000 Address: PO Box 38004, Albany, NY 12203
