APMA News Brief
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November 9, 2017 In This Issue
National News
What PATIENTS Are Reading
Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA)
National News
In response to a joint letter AOPA and APMA submitted to CMS regarding the milling of custom therapeutic inserts, and related efforts, CMS has issued a proposed change to the Quality Standards effective January 1, 2018. 
 
Final rules recently released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have reimbursement implications for physicians as well as hospitals.
Editor’s note: APMA's Medicare resources are free to members at APMA.org.
 
CMS's final rule for Quality Payment Program includes several financial incentives for physicians to use patient-generated data and remote monitoring tools. 
 
Among the things to take note of in CMS's final rule for the Medicare Quality Payment Program, experts point to the rise in the MIPS performance threshold and bonus points available to small practices. 
 
iWALKFree, Inc.
At a recent MedPAC meeting, members of the commission expressed some concerns about what might emerge to replace the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System if it were repealed.
Editor’s note: See APMA’s new MIPS FAQ on APMA.org.
 
According to a new survey, physician burnout could play a role in increasing the shortage of physicians, with many physicians contemplating retirement and others considering reducing clinical hours. 
 
A new bill introduced in the Senate would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide exemptions to the Stark Law for alternative payment models. 
 
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What Patients are Reading
Numb toes, tingling feet and brittle toenails are symptoms to take seriously, as they could be warning signs of larger health problems. 
 
To help prevent foot problems down the road, conduct regular inspections of your feet, keep them clean and dry, clip toenails regularly and choose proper footwear.
Editor's note: Recommend APMA Seal products to your patients.
 
Diabetic neuropathy can be managed by controlling blood sugar, walking and other factors.
Editor's note: Studies prove care by a podiatrist helps prevent diabetes complications and saves health-care dollars.
 
Choosing the correct shoe for the sport and avoiding hand-me-down shoes can help keep children's feet healthy.
Editor’s note: Recommend APMA Seal products for children to your patients.
 
Cushioning, arch support and shock absorption are three factors to consider when choosing a walking boot, according to podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM. 
 
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Large differences still exist among state policies concerning telehealth reimbursement, according to a report from the Center for Connected Health Policy.
Editor’s note: APMA provides reimbursement resources at APMA.org.
 
Nearly half of health-care professionals go to work even if they have flu-like symptoms, according to a new survey. 
 
The internet has changed the relationship between physicians and patients, according to Halee Fischer-Wright, president and CEO of the Medical Group Management Association. 
 
When interviewing candidates for staff positions at your practice, certain questions can help you understand more about the candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to persevere. 
 
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Disclaimer: Stories from sources other than APMA do not necessarily reflect APMA positions or policies. APMA does not endorse these stories. This content appears in the News Brief to enhance members' understanding of how media coverage shapes perceptions of podiatric medicine, and to educate members about what their patients, legislators and other healthcare professionals are seeing in the media.
 

 

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