APMA News Brief
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April 26, 2018 In This Issue
National News
What PATIENTS Are Reading
National News
Population health and value-based payments may be contributing to the trend toward physicians seeking employment through hospitals and health systems.
Editor’s note: APMA provides reimbursement resources at APMA.org.
 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a request for information regarding the possibility of instituting a director provider contract model. CMS will accept comments through May 25.
 
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While value-based care isn't disappearing, adjustments could lead to some regulatory and administrative relief for physicians this year. 
 
The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 has been advanced on a unanimous vote by members of the Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
Editor’s note: APMA has created an Opioid Use and Abuse Prevention resource just for members.
 
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A recent randomized trial found that patients rated physicians lower in terms of communication skills and compassion when they used and electronic medical record during an office visit rather than a notepad. 
 
Focusing on adopting a team-based approach and taking advantage of all the tools that are available can help small practices cope under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.
Editor’s note: check out APMA’s MIPS Member FAQs for all you need to know about the program.
 
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What Patients are Reading
Foot ulcers, which affect up to 10 percent of people with diabetes, can lead to serious problems if not treated right away.
Editor's note: Studies prove care by a podiatrist helps prevent diabetes complications and saves health-care outcomes and spending.
 
Losing a toenail, which can happen because of infection or trauma, requires care to keep the foot safe while a new nail grows in. 
 
A number of factors come into play for police officers when selecting the right footwear for the job.
Editor's note: Recommend APMA Seal products to your patients.
 
Sprains, tendinitis, fractures and arthritis may present differently but all require prompt attention.
Editor’s note: April is Foot Health Awareness Month. Check out APMA’s campaign materials and use them in your practice.
 
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The ways in which physicians are paid differ sharply depending on whether a physician owns his or her own practice or is employed by a hospital. 
 
In a letter to Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, nearly 50 physician groups called for the agency to reduce the 2018 reporting period for MIPS to 90 days. 
 
According to recent research, the cost of physician services tends to climb following hospital acquisition of physician practices. 
 
Benchmarking can be an effective way to improve the performance of your practice.
Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s practice management and reimbursement resources, including compliance materials, HIT info, and much more. Free to members!
 
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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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