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APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA)
National News
By a vote of 55-43, the Senate voted to confirm Alex Azar as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Visit https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-azar/senate-votes-to-confirm-azar-as-health-secretary-idUSKBN1FD2UG to view the full article online.

 
Fewer than 2 percent of clinicians who participated in the Value-Based Payment Modifier program will receive a positive payment adjustment in 2018. 

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/72-of-clinicians-see-no-adjustment-under-value-modifier-in-2018 to view the full article online.

 
Smaller independent specialty practices remain concerned about the potential impact of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Quality Payment Program.

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

Visit https://ehrintelligence.com/news/specialty-practices-anxious-over-2018-quality-payment-program to view the full article online.

 
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The administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced that the agency will form a group to examine ways to reduce the regulatory burden created by the Stark Law. 

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/legal-regulatory-issues/cms-to-form-interagency-group-to-review-stark-law-4-things-to-know.html to view the full article online.

 
According to a new study, physicians who indicate discomfort in using electronic health records are more likely to scale back their work or even quit their practice.

Editor’s note: Don’t miss APMA’s Health Information Technology resources for more information on Health IT and EHR systems.

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/physicians-leaving-profession-over-ehrs to view the full article online.

 
Although the burdens of health information technology may be onerous now, advances eventually lead to positive change. 

Visit https://wire.ama-assn.org/practice-management/why-medicine-s-digital-transformation-just-beginning to view the full article online.

 
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What Patients are Reading
More than three million people each year are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.

Editor’s note: Download our digital brochure on heel pain, which can be customized you’re your practice information.

Visit http://www.pahomepage.com/news/coping-with-plantar-fasciitis/935395703 to view the full article online.

 
High-quality socks are one key to protecting feet when cold weather hits. 

Visit http://www.newstrib.com/free/avoid-pain-protect-your-feet/article_a49255ce-fc69-11e7-b3aa-df36dcfe660e.html to view the full article online.

 
Ski boots that don't fit well or provide adequate support are a common cause of foot injuries among skiers. 

Visit http://healthizmo.com/prevent-foot-injuries-ruining-skiing-holiday to view the full article online.

 
Sprains, tendinitis and hammertoes are among the most common reasons people experience pain in their feet. 

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

 
If not treated bunions can lead to serious problems.

Editor’s Note: Share APMA’s free "Beat Bunion Blues" materials with your patients.

Visit http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/story/sponsor-story/marshfield-clinic/2018/01/23/marshfield-clinic-bunions-things-go-bump-your-foot/109094262/ to view the full article online.

 
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Despite a slight increase in the percentage of physician practices that offer telemedicine services, most practices still do not offer any. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/mobile/physician-practices-telemedicine-virtual-care-medical-group-management-association to view the full article online.

 
There may be some benefits to exploring other options, such as cash balance plans.

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/why-your-practice-should-look-beyond-401k to view the full article online.

 
A new proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services would strengthen protections for the "conscience rights" of health-care providers. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/hhs-proposes-new-rule-conscience-rights-guidance-planned-parenthood-medicaid to view the full article online.

 
American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc.
11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20852
PH: 301-581-9200
info@apma.org | www.apma.org