RT Journal
A1 Pedowitz, Robert A.
T1 Does Every Question Need a Level-I Answer? Pragmatic and Ethical Considerations of Clinical Practice GuidelinesCommentary on an article by Robert A. Pedowitz, MD, PhD, et al.: “American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline on Optimizing the Management of Rotator Cuff Problems”
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2012
FD January 18
VO 94
IS 2
SP e13 1
OP 2
DO 10.2106/JBJS.K.01368
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.K.01368
AB 
The AAOS is committed to developing treatment guidelines to improve patient care and to identify gaps in our clinical knowledge base. As Chair of the rotator cuff guidelines work group, I was honored to work with a knowledgeable and experienced group of surgeons and researchers in this endeavor. Given that experience, I would like to provide my personal perspective on the guidelines process to facilitate proper utilization by our key stakeholders: patients, providers, and payors. This commentary reflects my personal opinions. It is not intended to represent the opinions of the AAOS or other members of the guidelines committee.