Podiatry Insurance Company of America (PICA)

APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

National News
March 31 is the deadline for eligible physicians to submit MIPS data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Editor’s note: Be sure to use APMA’s updated 2018 MIPS Performance Year Resource Page for all your MIPS needs.

Visit https://www.healio.com/family-medicine/practice-management/news/online/%7B2ec3747f-7d57-4143-a816-b5d70be8b43b%7D/deadline-approaching-for-submitting-data-to-cms to view the full article online.

 
According a new compensation report, the already wide pay gap between male and female physicians has expanded slightly since 2016.

Editor’s note: Looking for a change? We can help you at the APMA Career Center.

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/female-doctors-earn-28-less-than-men-report-finds/519169/ to view the full article online.

 
In deciding whether to join a virtual group, small physician practices should take into account factors such as data collection and administrative responsibility.

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

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/5-key-factors-considering-macra-virtual-groups to view the full article online.

 
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The National Quality Forum is encouraging physicians to make shared decision-making with patients a standard of care. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/nqf-issues-call-to-action-shared-decision-making to view the full article online.

 
Between 2012 and 2016, hospital ownership of physician practices increased by 100 percent, according to a recent report. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hospitals-acquired-5k-physician-practices-in-1-year-period/519167/ to view the full article online.

 
The number of patients in the U.S. without insurance is increasing, and some physicians practices already are being affected. 

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/help-uninsured-patients-without-hurting-your-practice to view the full article online.

 
Physician groups with more than 50 physicians can reap benenfits from going with private equity rather than hospital ownership. 

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/why-large-physician-groups-should-consider-private-equity-5-thoughts-with-todd-mello.html to view the full article online.

 
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Becoming more educated on cybersecurity can help physician practices make better decisions with regard to the IT vendors they use.

Editor’s Note: Don’t miss APMA’s Health IT resources on APMA.org.

Visit https://wire.ama-assn.org/practice-management/beat-digital-divide-time-talk-your-it-vendors to view the full article online.

 
Prescription drug prices as well as high administrative and testing costs are among the reasons for the disparity, according to a new report. 

Visit http://abcnews.go.com/Health/us-spends-health-care-countries-fare-study/story?id=53710650 to view the full article online.

 
Licensing and reimbursement issues are among the factors discouraging some providers from starting telehealth programs. 

Visit http://www.aappublications.org/news/2018/03/14/telehealth031418 to view the full article online.

 
What Patients are Reading
Brittle or discolored nails and cracked heels are among the foot conditions that are common among older people.

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

Visit https://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/wellness/how-to-care-for-ageing-feet-11364167351599 to view the full article online.

 
Using well-fitting footwear and appropriate socks can help runners prevent large blisters from forming when running. 

Visit https://runningmagazine.ca/when-your-blisters-have-blisters/ to view the full article online.

 
Putting off getting foot issues checked can lead to serious problems, particularly among people with diabetes.

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s Diabetes Campaign materials at www.apma.org/diabetes.

Visit https://www.wthr.com/article/check-up-13-diabetes-and-foot-check to view the full article online.

 
A podiatrist describes what to look for when considering a pedicure. 

Visit http://www.gastongazette.com/entertainmentlife/20180313/10-tips-to-safe-pedicure to view the full article online.

 
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American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc.
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PH: 301-581-9200
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