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Proposed changes to outpatient E&M coding could have wide-ranging effects.
Editor’s note: APMA ACTION ALERT! On July 12, CMS released a proposed rule [CMS-1693-P] that, if finalized, would require podiatrists to use different E/M codes from all other Medicare physicians. The codes would reimburse at a significantly lower rate. Write to CMS and oppose the discriminatory proposed rule. Read APMA’s coverage of this topic on APMA.org. Visit https://www.icd10monitor.com/cms-proposal-simplifies-e-m-coding-complicates-payments to view the full article online. |
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Physicians and patient have had mixed reactions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' new proposed rule regarding revisions to physician payment policies.
Editor’s note: APMA provides reimbursement resources and Medicare resources at APMA.org. Visit https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/07/27/632473673/some-doctors-patients-balk-at-medicares-flat-fee-payment-proposal to view the full article online. |
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New final rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have implications for inpatient rehab facilities, inpatient psychiatric facilities and skilled nursing facilities.
Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/cms-finalizes-2019-payment-rules-skilled-nursing-facilities-inpatient-rehabilitation-and to view the full article online. |
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An analysis by Health Affairs estimates that $480 billion was spent on pharmaceutical drugs in the U.S. in 2016.
Visit https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20180726.670593/full/ to view the full article online. |
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In a recent survey, nearly nine out of ten physicians reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in the past year.
Visit https://www.ajmc.com/newsroom/physician-survey-offers-glimpse-into-thoughts-about-work-burnout-pay to view the full article online. |
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According to a new report, increased patient enrollment in accountable care organizations is associated with fewer physician work hours per week and lower likelihood of self-employment among physicians.
Editor’s note: Don’t miss APMA’s Health IT resources and resources on ACOs. Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/acos-may-affect-physician-employment-patterns-jama-study-finds/528849/ to view the full article online. |
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The wrong shoes can increase the risk of bunions or make existing bunions worse. Visit https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/health/beating-bunions-can-save-you-13006151 to view the full article online. |
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Because they don't offer much in the way of stability or support, flip-flops aren't ideal for heavy use.
Visit https://barbend.com/flip-flops-athletes-pros-cons/ to view the full article online. |
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Talking to one's podiatrist about custom orthotics can help patients determine what's right for them.
Visit http://www.southlakestyle.com/2018/07/30/177750/functional-orthotics-your-body-s-bff to view the full article online. |
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Medical pedicures, given by a podiatrist, can offer a safer alternative to salon pedicures.
Visit https://wilton.dailyvoice.com/lifestyle/do-you-need-a-medical-pedicure-keep-your-toes-healthy-and-summer-ready/739749/ to view the full article online. |
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Five physicians who testified before the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee advocated for fixing rather than replacing the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.
Editor’s note: check out APMA’s MIPS Member FAQs for all you need to know about the program. Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/doctors-tell-lawmakers-don-t-scrap-mips to view the full article online. |
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A large majority of older Americans indicated their support for limits on the amount of opioids they could be prescribed by their physician, according to new poll.
Editor’s note: APMA has created an Opioid Use and Abuse Prevention resource just for members. Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/hospitals-health-systems/poll-three-four-older-adults-support-opioid-prescription-limits to view the full article online. |
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Although most physician practices offer patient portals, fewer are generating value from them, according to a survey.
Visit https://www.healthdatamanagement.com/news/most-practices-have-portals-but-dont-derive-benefits to view the full article online. |
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Physicians looking to reduce their email burden should consider consolidating their email accounts and delegating more, among other actions.
Visit https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/practice-management/email-management-best-practices-for-busy-physicians to view the full article online. |