President Obama inaccurately portrayed reimbursements for foot surgery and surgeons' role in prevention in an Aug. 11 speech on health reform delivered in Portsmouth, N.H., according to an AAOS release.
Speaking on surgery for conditions that could have been treated preventively, Pres. Obama said that when a diabetic's foot has to be amputated, the surgeon may charge Medicare $30,000-$50,000 and will be "immediately" reimbursed.
Actually, the AAOS stated, Medicare reimbursements to physicians for foot amputations range from $700-$1,200 (including post-op visits), the payment is not immediate and orthopedic surgeons have been actively involved in preventive care.
The AAOS said it is "profoundly disappointed" with the president's comments and urged him "to disengage from hyperbole."
Read the AAOS release.
Read Pres. Obama's speech.