APMA News Brief

Based on the Massachusetts' health care reform experience, full implementation of the Affordable Care Act could lead to increased rates of discretionary surgeries, according to a study published July 2 in JAMA Surgery. Click here to continue reading.

Editor's note: Visit APMA's healthcare reform page for more resources and information on how the ACA affects the profession.

The report found that in those who have type two diabetes, mainly age 50 and older -- taking multiple medications or even insulin, may cause more harm than good.

Visit http://www.news4sanantonio.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/diabetes-treatment-controversy-13414.shtml to view the full article online.

In the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule, 80 codes were identified as "misvalued" by CMS, of which 20 percent pertained to radiology. Click here to continue reading.

Having so far failed to complete reform legislation intended to ensure veterans don't die waiting for health care, lawmakers return facing significant unfinished business to show voters action before they go home to campaign in August.

Visit http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2014/07/remember-veterans-health-care-crisis/87976/?oref=dropdown to view the full article online.

Muslims around the world fast in this holy month of Ramadan -- from pre-dawn hours to dusk. Health experts have a word of caution for those who may be diabetic. Due to prolonged fasting, diabetics undergo metabolic changes as they don't eat anything for long, say medical experts.

Visit http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/diabetic-muslims-must-be-cautious-during-fast-doctors-1607413.html?utm_source=FP_HP_LATESTNEWS to view the full article online.

While CMS has continually insisted that a final rule and more information about the new October 1, 2015 compliance date are forthcoming, the agency has been less than effusive when it comes to meaty comments about the pushback, leaving healthcare providers and industry experts wondering about the next steps they should be taking.

Visit http://ehrintelligence.com/2014/07/08/congress-asks-for-details-on-icd-10-delay-cms-plan-for-2015/ to view the full article online.

Shortly after eating the equivalent of a small bar of dark, but not milk, chocolate, patients with moderate to severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) could walk slightly farther and longer on a treadmill before having to stop due to pain, in a proof-of-concept study.

Visit http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/827719 to view the full article online.

During the warmer weather, our feet tend to be frequently exposed to the elements as we wear sandals, flip flops and are often barefoot. Podiatrists of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association (MPMA) have some advice to share that can help prevent harmful conditions to feet.

Visit http://www.dailytribune.com/health/20140708/going-bare-foot-and-flip-flop-advice-from-the-michigan-podiatric-medical-association to view the full article online.

Have you ever been close to a friend or family member and when they removed their shoes, there was a strong odor coming from their shoes or feet? Well, they probably have athlete’s foot and need to be treated.

Visit http://www.thenassauguardian.com/lifestyles/health-and-wellness/48660-when-feet-stink to view the full article online.

According to a study by the College of Podiatry, most women have pain within an hour of wearing high heels, and 90 percent of women have foot problems from poorly fitting shoes.

Visit http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/news/a13101/high-heels-hurting-feet/ to view the full article online.