ABOS Boards Part 2: How to Prepare for Test Day (Recording)-ABOS Boards Part 2: How to Prepare for Test Day (3)

ABOS Boards Part 2: How to Prepare for Test Day (3)

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Ryan P. Roach focuses on effective documentation practices necessary for the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part 2 examination and clinical orthopaedic practice. Key competencies include data gathering, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical indications, technical surgical skills, complication management, outcomes assessment, ethics, professionalism, and applied knowledge.<br /><br />A critical principle emphasized is that "if you document it, it’s fair game," underscoring the importance of meticulous and thorough documentation. Surgeons should undertake only procedures within their skill level, document appropriately, collect relevant images, maintain follow-up, and obtain informed surgical consent with detailed, case-specific information.<br /><br />The presentation highlights best practices for clinic notes at initial, preoperative, surgical history and physical, and postoperative visits. Important elements include controlling the narrative by explaining clinical thought processes, listing failed prior treatments, discussing all treatment options, and documenting shared decision-making. For patients lost to follow-up, attempts to contact by phone or letter must be documented.<br /><br />Complications require clear documentation of the event, disclosure to the patient, and the planned management, often including consultation with senior colleagues. Imaging documentation should cover preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative studies with accurate descriptions, measurements, and quality control. Intraoperative imaging such as arthroscopic or fluoroscopic images must be promptly uploaded into electronic medical records and stored securely.<br /><br />Consent documentation must be case-specific, signed or co-signed by the operating surgeon, avoiding generic phrases or assumptions when delegated to extenders or residents. The presentation encourages designing systematic processes such as smart phrases, radiology templates, and consent protocols to ensure thorough documentation, ethical billing, and compliance with best practices, ultimately improving clinical quality and board exam success.

Keywords

ABOS Part 2 examination

orthopaedic surgery documentation

clinical orthopaedic practice

surgical consent documentation

complication management

clinical note best practices

imaging documentation

shared decision-making

ethical billing in surgery

documentation protocols