APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

National News
A new proposal to transfer some drugs from Medicare Part B to Part D could hamper physician reimbursement, some experts say.

Editor’s note: APMA provides reimbursement resources and Medicare resources at APMA.org.

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/how-part-b-drug-changes-could-impact-provider-reimbursement to view the full article online.

 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has advanced a demonstration project that would waive MIPS requirements for physicians who participate in certain Medicare Advantage plans.

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

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-pitches-ma-demo-letting-doctors-avoid-mips-rules/526912/ to view the full article online.

 
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Measuring your practice's collection rate, days in accounts receivable and accounts receivable aging can help you get a better handle on the financial health of your practice.

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s practice management and reimbursement resources, including compliance materials, HIT info, and much more. Free to members!

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/money/3-financial-metrics-drive-better-practice-performance to view the full article online.

 
Given that physicians' time with patients is limited, it's important for other members of the healthcare team to contribute to patients' successful outcomes. 

Visit https://www.medpagetoday.com/patientcenteredmedicalhome/patientcenteredmedicalhome/73778 to view the full article online.

 
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The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is not likely to solve the host of challenges faced by small and rural physician practices, according to a new report from the Government Accounting Office.

Editor’s note: check out APMA’s MIPS Member FAQs for all you need to know about the program.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/challenges-continue-for-small-and-rural-practices-under-mips-gao-report-finds to view the full article online.

 
New reports released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reveal that in 2017, ACA enrollment among healthcare consumers who do not receive subsidies dropped by 20 percent. 
Editor's note: Visit APMA's health-care reform page to learn more about key provisions in the ACA for podiatrists and more. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-unsubsidized-aca-enrollment-dropped-20-in-2017/527046/ to view the full article online.

 
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What Patients are Reading
Waiting before seeking treatment from a podiatrist for plantar fasciitis can make the problem linger. 

Visit http://www.starnewsonline.com/entertainmentlife/20180703/5-things-to-know-about-plantar-fasciitis to view the full article online.

 
This summer, take the environment in which you're walking into account when choosing appropriate footwear. 

Visit http://www.journalgazette.net/features/20180702/be-sure-shoe-fits-occasion to view the full article online.

 
Regular exercise and maintenance can help keep feet healthy. 

Visit https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/feet-health-secrets/ to view the full article online.

 
While feet undergo several changes as a result of aging, including a loss of fat as padding, there are things seniors can do to care for their feet. 

Visit https://www.dentonrc.com/entertainment/pam-rainey-seniors-take-care-of-those-feet/article_02a6fe9d-c1c8-5ac4-b8db-d0bc44929493.html to view the full article online.

 
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Problems with the interoperability of different electronic health record systems have played a large role in the rise of physician burnout, experts say.

Editor’s Note: See APMA’s EHR Decision Guide for DPMs on APMA.org.

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/how-disparate-ehr-systems-lack-interoperability-contribute-physician-stress-burnout to view the full article online.

 
Implementing a clinical documentation improvement program can aid in the transition to value-based reimbursement, among other potential benefits. 

Visit https://ehrintelligence.com/features/what-are-the-benefits-of-clinical-documentation-improvement-cdi to view the full article online.

 
While telehealth still might take off, it has so far lagged behind expectations, due in part to reimbursement issues and lack of awareness on the part of the general public regarding their options. 

Visit https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/29/why-telemedicine-is-a-bust.html 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