APMA News Brief

Physicians won’t have to start reporting quality under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) until next July at the earliest, if the law’s co-author has his way. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/macra-author-calls-delay-reporting-requirements to view the full article online.

The 2015 Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) opened the way for the Department of Health and Human Services to streamline the quality improvement and healthcare information technology programs built over the past several years.

Visit http://www.healthdatamanagement.com/opinion/how-macra-will-shift-providers-it-efforts?brief=00000152-14b1-d1cc-a5fa-7cfbce8c0000 to view the full article online.

A tweet said the small-town hospital was deluged with suicidal patients that day, and the person who posted it appeared to show frustration with the endless hassle. The post could be seen as whiny, disrespectful and invasive of patient privacy—or supportive and compassionate, depending on how it was read.

Visit http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/ama-wire/post/social-media-reap-benefits-avoiding-hazards to view the full article online.

In new report to Congress, HHS says current regulations are not keeping pace with consumer engagement tools, social media. 

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/hipaa-limited-age-mhealth-social-media-wearables-hhs-says to view the full article online.

Nearly everyone knows a podiatrist is a foot doctor, but what they may know less about is what podiatrists do and the types of conditions they treat. 

Visit http://www.rgj.com/story/life/wellness/2016/07/20/podiatrist-foot-care-concerns/87347044/ to view the full article online.

Perineural fibrosis, commonly known by its lay term "Morton’s neuroma," is a fairly common foot ailment treated by podiatrists.

Visit http://www.chronicleonline.com/content/treatment-options-%E2%80%98morton%E2%80%99s-neuroma%E2%80%99 to view the full article online.

Athlete's foot is an itchy, often painful fungal infection. But there are things you can do to help prevent it.

Visit http://www.pantagraph.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health-tip-protect-against-athlete-s-foot/article_3916a432-533c-5870-afd4-6b298b1a491c.html to view the full article online.

Diabetes is a condition that results in high blood sugar (glucose) in a patient because the body is not making enough of the hormone insulin, which helps break down the sugar entering the cells and create fuel for its functions.

Visit http://www.news-medical.net/health/Diabetic-Foot-Problems.aspx to view the full article online.

In the spring, many people turn to flip flops for their everyday footwear. 

Visit http://idahostatejournal.com/are-your-feet-ready-to-step-into-summer/article_2448dc79-75c8-5039-ac0c-3b042c0c49ab.html to view the full article online.

Whether you're a casual runner or have trained hard for the AJC Peachtree Road Race, your feet can take a repeated pounding.

Visit http://www.ajc.com/news/lifestyles/health/5-ways-you-should-take-care-your-feet-after-runnin/nrwYx/ to view the full article online.

With all the pressures facing independent practices—from adjusting to value-based payments to meeting the growing demands of patients—business innovators may provide some key practice management lessons.

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/top-8-tips-reboot-your-practice to view the full article online.

Physician compensation remained relatively flat in 2015, with an average increase of 3.1% versus 2.8% in 2014, according to the American Medical Group Association.

Visit http://medcitynews.com/2016/07/transitional-care-management-revenue/ to view the full article online.

When doctors change practices, move or retire, helping patients through the transition can present a major emotional challenge on both sides of the doctor-patient relationship, writes Rodger D. MacArthur, M.D., in The AIDS Reader.

Visit http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/4-tips-for-helping-patients-cope-when-physicians-move-or-retire to view the full article online.

Visit http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/07/19/486613011/covered-californias-health-plan-rates-to-jump-sharply-in-2017 to view the full article online.