APMA News Brief

New changes under the 2018 MACRA rule span both the cost and quality categories and touch on other aspects of MIPS as well.

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/money/significant-mips-changes-physicians-need-know to view the full article online.

New research suggests that physicians in independent practices increasingly are turning to outside consultants to help them adjust to value-based care. 

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/value-based-care-driving-independent-practices-to-consultants to view the full article online.

Results are out for the new Medical Group Management Association annual compensation survey, which shows that the rate of increase for specialists' income trails the rate of increase for primary care physicians. 

Visit https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucejapsen/2018/05/21/primary-care-doctor-pay-tops-257000-amid-shift-to-value/#1cd9637797bf to view the full article online.

Technology-related interruptions are a factor that leads to stress and burnout, according to a majority of physicians who participated in a recent survey. 

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/82-physicians-blame-burnout-interruptions-tech-tools to view the full article online.

Two podiatrists share the causes of arch pain, a common malady among dancers, as well how to prevent and treat the problem. 

Visit https://www.dancemagazine.com/arch-pain-podiatrists-2569718950.html to view the full article online.

While heredity can play a large role in who gets bunions, there are a number of ways to help manage the problem.

Visit https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/everything-you-need-know-bunions-12553112 to view the full article online.

While flip-flops can be OK for short-term use, people should think twice before relying on them as their go-to footwear.

Visit https://www.clickondetroit.com/health/flip-flops-can-really-hurt-your-feet-heres-how-to-wear-them-correctly to view the full article online.

Plastic shoes might be a hot new trend in fashion, but the fact that the material doesn't breathe can lead to a number of problems.

Visit https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/a20743519/plastic-shoes-perspex-heels/ to view the full article online.

While total ankle replacement can be a viable option for some older patients, it's important to weigh all treatment options. 

Visit http://citylivingseattle.com/Content/News/Healthy-Living/Article/Total-Ankle-Replacement-is-an-Option-for-Some-Older-Adults-with-Arthritis-Chronic-Pain/22/170/92051 to view the full article online.

Some physicians have begun pushing back in court against noncompete agreements required for hospital employment. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/more-doctors-become-hospital-employees-facing-noncompetes/522859/ to view the full article online.

The Government Accountability Office has released a report in which it contends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should take steps to continue prior authorization. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/gao-recommends-cms-continue-prior-authorization-to-reduce-spending-but-s-unlikely-to-satisfy to view the full article online.

As the trend toward consolidation continues, many physicians in private practice continue to value their independence.

Visit http://www.lvb.com/article/20180521/LVB01/180519843/as-networks-gobble-up-practices-independent-doctors-fight-to-survive to view the full article online.

The rate of male African-American medical students has dropped significantly over the last thirty years.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/decline-in-number-of-african-american-male-physicians-called-a-crisis.html to view the full article online.

A new survey shows that more than half of millennials and more than 40 percent of all adults want to connect with their physicians on social media.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/for-physicians-social-media-jennifer-caudle to view the full article online.