APMA News Brief

CMS is announcing the results of the first Qualifying APM Participant (QP) determinations based on eligible clinician participation in the 2017 Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs). APMA encourages members to use the new interactive look-up tool where many 2017 Advanced APM participants can look up their QP status based on calculations from claims with dates of service between January 1, 2017 and March 31, 2017, for the first QP snapshot.

Visit http://www.apma.org/WorkingForYou/NewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=26788 to view the full article online.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has withdrawn a proposed demonstration project that would have changed the Medicare Part B drug payment model. 

Visit https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicare/68302 to view the full article online.

Last week, the Senate passed the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic Care Act of 2017 (CHRONIC), which expands the range of telehealth services available to patients.

Visit https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/senate-unanimously-passes-bill-expanding-medicare-telehealth-services to view the full article online.

Monday, October 2, was the deadline for physician practices to start collecting performance data under the "pick your pace" options under MIPS. 

Visit http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/physician-leaders/mips-time%E2%80%99s-90-day-participation# to view the full article online.

Many physicians still feel unprepared to meet the requirements of MIPS. 

Visit http://www.healthcaredive.com/news/why-providers-should-choose-their-macra-tools-wisely/505151/ to view the full article online.

Despite a desire among patients for electronic billing, the majority of healthcare providers continue to send paper bills, according to a new report.

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/providers-take-note-these-simple-strategies-will-improve-billing-patient-satisfaction to view the full article online.

According to a new study in Health Affairs, a positive work environment can do much to increase physician morale.

Visit http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/workplace-chaos-physician-practice-job-satisfaction-burnout to view the full article online.

Podiatrists can help seniors to maintain their mobility and relieve the pain association with different conditions related to aging. 

Visit http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Maritzburg-Fever/podiatrists-view-on-ageing-feet-20171003 to view the full article online.

A new form of minimally invasive bunion surgery, developed by a New York-based podiatrist, involves no broken bones. 

Visit https://www.theepochtimes.com/innovative-bunion-surgery-tiny-incision-no-broken-bones_2300432.html to view the full article online.

For a variety of foot problems, early treatment by a podiatrist can reduce complications down the road. 

Visit https://www.inlander.com/spokane/happy-feet/Content?oid=5743800 to view the full article online.

A podiatrist shares tips on selecting and caring for winter boots. 

Visit http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/wellness/comfortable-winter-boots-11364217514429 to view the full article online.

Being active can take its toll on your feet—increasing the risk of problems like blisters, sprains, tendon pain and fungal infections such as athletes foot. 

Visit http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/fitness/a28876/caring-for-active-feet/ to view the full article online.

According to a survey of practicing female physicians, nearly half said they were evaluated differently from men during the hiring process. 

Visit https://wire.ama-assn.org/ama-news/pay-inequity-flex-schedules-top-concerns-women-physicians to view the full article online.

Recent reports suggest a downward trend in physician income across specialties. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/node/441357 to view the full article online.

Funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program, which covers 9 million American children lapsed on September 30. 

Visit http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/10/03/555166767/lapse-in-federal-funding-imperils-children-s-health-coverage to view the full article online.

Despite increased efforts on the part of healthcare providers to improve patient engagement, a majority of health-care consumers reported no increase in satisfaction over the past two years. 

Visit http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20171004/NEWS/171009979/payers-and-providers-struggle-to-engage-patients to view the full article online.