APMA News Brief

The number of physicians choosing to opt out of the Medicare program dropped sharply in 2017.

Visit http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20180130/NEWS/180139995 to view the full article online.

A nonprofit group called Physicians for Fair Coverage is advocating to address the problem of patients receiving unexpectedly high doctor bills. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/physician-coalition-takes-aim-at-surprise-medical-bills-physicians-for-fair-coverage to view the full article online.

The AHA Physician Alliance, a new program from the American Hospital Association, aims to improve relationships between physicians and hospitals. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/aha-launches-new-bid-for-better-doctor-relations/515699/ to view the full article online.

Parent and younger healthcare consumers are the most likely to be open to switching providers. 

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/more-patients-market-new-doctor-hospitals-might-think to view the full article online.

Anne Schuchat has been appointing acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention following the resignation of Brenda Fitzgerald. 

Visit http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/leadership/whos-leading-cdc-after-brenda-fitzgeralds-resignation to view the full article online.

Delegating the denials management process to experts can yield benefits for physician practices. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/3-tips-take-denials-management-processes-next-level to view the full article online.

The Drug Enforcement Administration will examine prescribing patterns for opioids, according to the attorney general.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/one-doctor-convicted-one-dead-after-drug-charges-sessions-continues-to-target-medical to view the full article online.

Physicians seek assurance that information technology actually will help them improve quality of care.

Visit https://wire.ama-assn.org/practice-management/these-factors-interfere-physicians-it-adoption to view the full article online.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to adjusting to the requirements of Medicare's Quality Payment Program.

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/evolving-your-practice-meet-quality-based-reimbursement to view the full article online.

Only 165 physician practices agreed to participate in the second round of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' CPC+ program. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/physician-practices-not-flocking-to-cpc/515956/ to view the full article online.

Discolored and thickened toenails can be signs of a problem requiring professional treatment. 

Visit http://www.blueridgenow.com/entertainmentlife/20180128/dr-ryan-meredith-you-dont-have-to-have-ugly-toes to view the full article online.

Taking care to wear warm clothes in winter is especially important for those suffering from Raynaud's phenomenon. 

Visit https://www.dariennewsonline.com/news/article/The-Running-Doctor-Poor-blood-flow-12521591.php to view the full article online.

Regular foot care is especially important for people with diabetes, who might not be able to feel trauma to the feet that can lead to serious complications.

Visit http://www.india.com/lifestyle/footcare-for-diabetics-why-proper-foot-care-is-important-for-people-suffering-from-diabetes-2871381/ to view the full article online.

Finding the type of shoe that best fits your individual feet is a key to comfort.

Visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5336569/Cinderella-test-discover-perfect-fitting-shoes.html to view the full article online.

Wearing old shoes can lead to foot odor, but a number of remedies can help.

Visit https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/asking-friend-why-do-my-feet-stink to view the full article online.