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APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA)
National News
Improving clinical documentation and seeking support from vendors can help reduce the possibility of a payment penalty.

Editor’s note: APMA has everything you need to know about MACRA, MIPS, and APMs at www.apma.org/macra.

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/4-strategies-for-merit-based-incentive-payment-system-success to view the full article online.

 
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act may be getting in the way of more effective physician engagement with patients, according to a new report.

Editor’s note: APMA provides HIPAA Privacy and Security Manuals for members on APMA.org.

Visit http://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hipaa-is-hampering-patient-engagement-analysis-says/507806/ to view the full article online.

 
Medicaid enrollment growth is expected to continue to decrease from its high point in 2015.

Editor's note: See APMA’s Medicaid resources at APMA.org.

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/medicaid-enrollment-growth-slows-spending-rises to view the full article online.

 
Cipher Pharmaceuticals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a pilot test involving the review of claims data from 170,000 practices to determine whether MACRA can reduce healthcare costs.

Editor’s note: APMA has MACRA resources to help DPMs overcome payment obstacles. Check out the MACRA Made Easy reimbursement series, too.

Visit http://www.healthcaredive.com/news/pilot-test-will-evaluate-macras-ability-to-reduce-costs/507860/ to view the full article online.

 
A new bill announced by two Republicans, Sen. Orrin Hatch and Rep. Kevin Brady, would go further replacing aspects of the Affordable Care Act than currently proposed bipartisan legislation. 

Visit http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/gop-lawmakers-propose-conditions-health-bill-50686310 to view the full article online.

 
In selecting a practice manager, consider such factors as the candidate's data knowledge, personality, and willingness to be trained.

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s Manage Your Practice resources, including compliance materials, HIT info, and much more. Free to members!

Visit http://www.renalandurologynews.com/practice-management/hiring-doctors-office-manager-skill-set/article/701826/ to view the full article online.

 
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What Patients are Reading
Cushioning, arch support and shock absorption are three factors to consider when choosing a walking boot, according to podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM. 

Visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/style/shoes/comfy-walking-boots-for-travel to view the full article online.

 
Seek the advice of a podiatrist before making an appointment for a pedicure. 

Visit http://www.tgdaily.com/health/health-risks-associated-with-pedicure to view the full article online.

 
Foot pain can result from a number of different conditions, including fractures, extensor tendinitis and others. 

Visit http://mendonjournal.com/medical-news-today-why-does-the-top-of-my-foot-hurt/ to view the full article online.

 
Over time, orthotic shoe inserts can help to relieve plantar heel pain, according to a new study.

Editor's note: Recommend APMA Seal products to your patients.

Visit https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-plantarpain-shoe-inserts/with-time-shoe-inserts-may-help-ease-plantar-heel-pain-idUSKBN1CP2IF to view the full article online.

 
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Finding solutions to help reduce the burdens of dealing with electronic health records could help to reduce the problem of physician burnout.

Editor’s Note: Need advice on choosing an EHR? Use APMA’s EHR resources and find one that’s right for your practice.

Visit http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/fighting-physician-burnout-how-tech-can-undo-damage-done-ehrs to view the full article online.

 
In examining a physician employment agreement, pay special attention to the non-compete clause, compensation and benefits, and the duties spelled out in the agreement. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/3-key-areas-clarify-employment-contract to view the full article online.

 
Offering patient the choice of either only receiving texts or having two-way communication via text can satisfy both older and younger patients. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/texting-tips-various-patient-types to view the full article online.

 
Mississippi and Texas top the list of best states in which to practice, according to a new study. 

Visit https://www.acsh.org/news/2017/10/20/and-best-states-practice-medicine-are-11993 to view the full article online.

 
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