APMA News Brief

In response to a joint letter AOPA and APMA submitted to CMS regarding the milling of custom therapeutic inserts, and related efforts, CMS has issued a proposed change to the Quality Standards effective January 1, 2018. 

Visit http://www.apma.org/WorkingForYou/NewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=27299 to view the full article online.

Final rules recently released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have reimbursement implications for physicians as well as hospitals.

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/cms-finalizes-2018-hospital-physician-medicare-reimbursement to view the full article online.

CMS's final rule for Quality Payment Program includes several financial incentives for physicians to use patient-generated data and remote monitoring tools. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/regulatory/macra-remote-monitoring-qpp-mips-ehr-certification-physician-reimbursement to view the full article online.

Among the things to take note of in CMS's final rule for the Medicare Quality Payment Program, experts point to the rise in the MIPS performance threshold and bonus points available to small practices. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/10-things-physicians-need-know-about-macra-2018 to view the full article online.

At a recent MedPAC meeting, members of the commission expressed some concerns about what might emerge to replace the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System if it were repealed.

Visit http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/finance/medpac-debates-best-way-replace-mips to view the full article online.

According to a new survey, physician burnout could play a role in increasing the shortage of physicians, with many physicians contemplating retirement and others considering reducing clinical hours. 

Visit http://www.healthexec.com/topics/care-delivery/20-doctors-want-reduce-clinical-hours to view the full article online.

A new bill introduced in the Senate would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide exemptions to the Stark Law for alternative payment models. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/bipartisan-bill-looks-to-change-physician-anti-kickback-law/509924/ to view the full article online.

Numb toes, tingling feet and brittle toenails are symptoms to take seriously, as they could be warning signs of larger health problems. 

Visit https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/foot-health to view the full article online.

To help prevent foot problems down the road, conduct regular inspections of your feet, keep them clean and dry, clip toenails regularly and choose proper footwear.

Visit https://goodmenproject.com/health/4-things-men-can-do-to-keep-their-feet-healthy-spnsr/ to view the full article online.

Diabetic neuropathy can be managed by controlling blood sugar, walking and other factors.

Visit http://clarkstown.dailyvoice.com/lifestyle/painful-feet-a-common-but-often-avoidable-complication-of-diabetes/725832/ to view the full article online.

Choosing the correct shoe for the sport and avoiding hand-me-down shoes can help keep children's feet healthy.

Visit http://www.newcanaannewsonline.com/news/article/The-Running-Doctor-Children-s-shoes-12323512.php to view the full article online.

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.instyle.com/syndication/comfortable-walking-boots to view the full article online.

Large differences still exist among state policies concerning telehealth reimbursement, according to a report from the Center for Connected Health Policy.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/mobile/center-for-connected-health-policy-telehealth-reimbursement-state-laws-mental-health to view the full article online.

Nearly half of health-care professionals go to work even if they have flu-like symptoms, according to a new survey. 

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/study-4-in-10-healthcare-professionals-work-with-flu-like-symptoms.html to view the full article online.

The internet has changed the relationship between physicians and patients, according to Halee Fischer-Wright, president and CEO of the Medical Group Management Association. 

Visit https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/887853 to view the full article online.

When interviewing candidates for staff positions at your practice, certain questions can help you understand more about the candidate's problem-solving skills and ability to persevere. 

Visit https://www.healio.com/orthopedics/business-of-orthopedics/news/online/%7B041d944c-e86f-458c-bb56-0b13b0c7bc3d%7D/8-effective-hiring-questions to view the full article online.