New Office Hours: What’s Ahead for MSK Practices in 2027
Join Us Virtually
New Office Hours: What’s Ahead for MSK Practices in 2027
November 18, 2026 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm ET
Join the AAOE Advocacy Council for an interactive update covering the key provisions of the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and what they could mean for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal practices. We’ll highlight the policies most relevant to MSK groups and discuss AAOE’s advocacy around proposals that could negatively affect practices and patient access. We will also provide a post-election update on the new political landscape in Washington and what the election results could mean for Medicare payment, physician practice policy, and AAOE’s advocacy priorities heading into 2027.
Register Now!
For more information, contact info@aaoe.net.
Due to AAOE policies, AI Bots are not allowed in webinars, and AAOE staff will remove them.
Claire Ernst, JD
Director, Government Relations & Public Policy, Hooper Lundy & Bookman, P.C.
Claire focuses her practice on protecting and advancing the interests of providers and trade associations before legislators, regulators, staff, and others who craft and influence health care policies and priorities, primarily on issues relating to provider payment, including administrative burden, digital health, and Medicare Advantage. Claire’s extensive background working in-house for health care industry trade and advocacy associations helps her forge connections with leadership and membership alike, allowing her to step into their shoes and better convey their perspectives and concerns to policymakers. Before joining HLB, Claire served as Director of Government Affairs for the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), overseeing advocacy strategy and representing the organization’s interests in front of Congress and Executive Branch agencies. In 2023, Claire’s talents and achievements earned her recognition by Modern Healthcare, which included her in its list of the Top 25 Emerging Leaders (previously Up & Comers) for her significant contributions in the area of health care policy. Claire received a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College. You can contact Claire at cernst@hooperlundy.com.
Paul Bruning, DHA
Division Administrator, Duke University
Dr. Bruning is the Division Administrative Director for Sports Medicine, Hand, and the Sports Sciences Institute, Department of Orthopedics, Duke University School of Medicine. He has been within the orthopedic field for over 35 years. Dr. Bruning has served on the Board of Directors for the AAOE, ATPPS, BONES of Florida, and been the Advocacy Council Chair for AAOE.
Chris Roy
Business Development Executive, Summit Surgical Hospital
Chris started his career in orthopedics as an athletic trainer and served in several settings prior to jumping into private orthopedic practice in 2009. He has experience running ancillary services as well as athletic training outreach programs. Since Summer of 2021 Chris has been at Summit Surgical Hospital in Hutchinson, Kansas where he is responsible for physician recruitment, service line development, and patient acquisition. Chris became a member of AAOE in Spring of 2022 and has been serving on the Advocacy Council since June of 2022. He is married to his wife Angela and together they have 5 children and are active in providing foster care to children in need. In his free time, he is happiest in the woods hunting or hanging out with his family doing whatever they want to do.
Joseph Mathews, PT, DPT
CEO, OrthoLoneStar
Joseph is the Practice Administrator of Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine which features 20 physicians at 4 area locations in Houston Area. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, he manages the day-to-day business operations focusing on enhancing operational effectiveness and emphasizing cost containment without jeopardizing important innovation or quality of care.