Edward Wang, MD, is a hand and upper extremity surgeon in the department of orthopedics at Stony Brook (N.Y.) Medicine.
Dr. Wang has focused his practice on treating upper extremity injuries and conditions, and is part of a team developing a nonoperative treatment for adhesive capsulitis. Here, Dr. Wang discusses the key challenges for orthopedists and the best opportunities for growth in the future.
Question: What are the top challenges you're facing heading into 2019?
Dr. Edward Wang: 1. EMR technology has not kept pace with non-medical information technology.
2. Consolidation by health insurers and partnerships between industry and healthcare providers makes the future unpredictable for doctors in the trenches treating the patients.
3. Higher costs of providing care brought on by government regulations combined with increased downward pressure on reimbursement.
Q: What technology are you most excited about in the future?
EW: Ultrasound imaging and office-based arthroscopy, stem-cell treatments for rotator cuff healing and enzymatic treatment of frozen shoulder with collagenase enzyme.
Q: What is your best opportunity for growth?
EW: Patient outreach and patient education over the internet.
To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com.
For a deeper dive into the future of orthopedics, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-5, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.