APMA News Brief
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August 2, 2018 In This Issue
National News
What PATIENTS Are Reading
National News
Proposed changes to outpatient E&M coding could have wide-ranging effects.
Editor’s note: APMA ACTION ALERT! On July 12, CMS released a proposed rule [CMS-1693-P] that, if finalized, would require podiatrists to use different E/M codes from all other Medicare physicians. The codes would reimburse at a significantly lower rate. Write to CMS and oppose the discriminatory proposed rule. Read APMA’s coverage of this topic on APMA.org.
 
Physicians and patient have had mixed reactions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' new proposed rule regarding revisions to physician payment policies.
Editor’s note: APMA provides reimbursement resources and Medicare resources at APMA.org.
 
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In a recent survey, nearly nine out of ten physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in the past year. 
 
According to a new report, increased patient enrollment in accountable care organizations is associated with fewer physician work hours per week and lower likelihood of self-employment among physicians.
Editor’s note: Don’t miss APMA’s Health IT resources and resources on ACOs.
 
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Nemo Health
New final rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have implications for inpatient rehab facilities, inpatient psychiatric facilities and skilled nursing facilities. 
 
An analysis by Health Affairs estimates that $480 billion was spent on pharmaceutical drugs in the U.S. in 2016. 
 
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What Patients are Reading
The wrong shoes can increase the risk of bunions or make existing bunions worse.
Editor’s Note: Share APMA’s free "Beat Bunion Blues" materials with your patients.
 
Because they don't offer much in the way of stability or support, flip-flops aren't ideal for heavy use.
 
Talking to one's podiatrist about custom orthotics can help patients determine what's right for them. 
 
Medical pedicures, given by a podiatrist, can offer a safer alternative to salon pedicures.
 
Five physicians who testified before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee advocated for fixing rather than replacing 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.
 
A large majority of older Americans indicated their support for limits on the amount of opioids they could be prescribed by their physician, according to new poll.
Editor’s note: APMA has created an Opioid Use and Abuse Prevention resource just for members.
 
Although most physician practices offer patient portals, fewer are generating value from them, according to a survey. 
 
Physicians looking to reduce their email burden should consider consolidating their email accounts and delegating more, among other actions. 
 
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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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