Tennessee Orthopaedic Society Advocates for Tennessee Orthopaedists During Day on the Hill on March 26
Left to right:
Richard Duncan, MD, Watauga Orthopaedics; Kim Marden, CEO, Watauga Orthopaedics; Jason Mumpower, Comptroller, State of Tennessee; Rob Simmons, CEO, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance; Tyler Brolin, M.D., Campbell Clinic and TOS President
Members of the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society (TOS) gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol for their Day on the Hill, engaging directly with legislators and key state administrators to advocate for policies that advance orthopedic care and patient access. This event served as a crucial platform for healthcare professionals to voice their concerns, share expertise, and collaborate on initiatives that enhance the quality and delivery of musculoskeletal care across the state.
Engaging with Policymakers
Throughout the day, TOS members met with state representatives and senators to discuss legislative matters impacting orthopedic medicine, including healthcare access, insurance policies, and the Corporate Practice of Medicine Bill, which includes language that allows Anesthesia Assistants to practice in Tennessee. The society has actively advocated for this bill as part of its broader commitment to improving healthcare delivery in the state and providing better access to ambulatory surgery centers. .
Key topics included the expansion of patient access to orthopedic services, reforms in prior authorization processes, and addressing challenges within Tennessee’s healthcare workforce. Physicians and healthcare administrators shared firsthand experiences, highlighting the impact of current policies on their ability to provide timely and effective treatment to patients.
Collaborations with State Administrators
In addition to legislative meetings, TOS representatives engaged with key state officials to discuss strategies for improving healthcare infrastructure and supporting physician practices. These interactions underscored the role of orthopedic specialists in addressing public health concerns such as injury prevention, sports medicine initiatives, and rural healthcare access.
A Unified Voice for Orthopedic Advocacy
The Tennessee Orthopaedic Society's Day on the Hill reinforced the collective commitment of its members to shaping healthcare policy that benefits both providers and patients. By fostering strong relationships with lawmakers and state leaders, TOS continues to advocate for legislative solutions that enhance the delivery of orthopedic care and ensure Tennessee residents receive high-quality medical treatment.
As healthcare policies continue to evolve, events like the Day on the Hill remain vital in driving meaningful change. The active participation of orthopedic professionals in legislative discussions demonstrates their dedication to advancing musculoskeletal health and maintaining a patient-centered approach to care in Tennessee.
left to right:
Richard Duncan, MD, Watauga Orthopaedics; Kim Marden, CEO, Watauga Orthopaedics; Caleb Rep. Caleb Hemmer; Rob Simmons, CEO, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance; Tyler Brolin, M.D., Campbell Clinic and TOS President
