APMA News Brief - January 3, 2019

National News

HHS Issues Voluntary Guidelines Amid Rise of Cyberattacks

The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a four-volume report designed to help health-care providers lower their risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.

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

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/hhs-issues-voluntary-guidelines-amid-rise-of-cyberattacks/545096/ to view the full article online.

Getting Paid in 2019

Reimbursement issues physicians should look out for in the new year include bonuses and penalties related to MIPS and further discussion of changes regarding evaluation and management coding.

Editor’s note: check out APMA’s MIPS Member FAQs and MIPS in 2019 for all you need to know about the program.

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/money/getting-paid-2019 to view the full article online.

Specialists Fear IPI Drug Pricing Model Could Harm Patient Access

The International Pricing Index for Medicare Part B, proposed last year by the Department of Health and Human Services, could negatively affect patient access, according to one health-care industry group.

Visit https://revcycleintelligence.com/news/specialists-fear-ipi-drug-pricing-model-could-harm-patient-access to view the full article online.

Seven Moonlighting Gigs for Physicians

Consulting and writing for publication are among several options available to physicians looking to branch out.

Visit https://www.mdlinx.com/physiciansense/seven-moonlighting-gigs-for-physicians/ to view the full article online.

47% of Payer, Provider Business Tied to Value-Based Care

According to a new report, value-based care continues to gain on fee-for-service, having become much more common since 2015.

Visit https://healthpayerintelligence.com/news/47-of-payer-provider-business-tied-to-value-based-care to view the full article online.

5 Health-Care Trends to Watch in 2019

Potential trends for 2019 include the expansion of Medicare Advantage and an increase in the number of rural areas underserved by health-care providers.

Visit https://www.barrons.com/articles/5-health-care-trends-to-watch-in-2019-51545409115 to view the full article online.

What Patients are Reading

Experiencing Foot Pain? Check in With Your Doctor

Foot pain can have a number of causes, but it is never normal, and those experiencing problems as a result of it should consult with a podiatrist.

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s Foot Health Conditions page with your patients.

Visit https://abc7.com/health/heel-and-foot-pain-on-the-rise/4976099/ to view the full article online.

If You're Diabetic, Foot Care a Must

For diabetics, it's important to include a podiatrist as a regular member of the health-care team.

Editor’s note: APMA’s free diabetes awareness campaign materials are available year-round to members on APMA.org.

Visit https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-12-youre-diabetic-foot.html to view the full article online.

Proper Foot Care: Pay Attention to What Your Feet Are Telling You and You’ll Feel a Lot Better

In addition to helping with acute cases, podiatrists offer preventive care options as well.

Visit http://www.nwboomerandseniornews.com/news/2018/dec/27/proper-foot-care-pay-attention-what-your-feet-are-/ to view the full article online.

Here's How Long You Can Wear Heels, According To A Podiatrist

Even when wearing heels of medium height, it's important to limit the amount of time one spends in high heels.

Visit https://www.thetalko.com/how-long-to-wear-heels/ to view the full article online.

4 Characteristics of Physicians Most Likely Excluded From Public Insurance Reimbursement

A study of physicians excluded from Medicare participation over a 10-year period revealed that those excluded were more likely to be older men and specialists.

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

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/4-characteristics-of-physicians-most-likely-excluded-from-public-insurance-reimbursement.html to view the full article online.

Affordable Care Act to Remain in Place During Appeals Process

The Affordable Care Act will remain in place while appeals are heard regarding the recent decision by a U.S. District Judge who ruled it unconstitutional.

Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/affordable-care-act-remain-place-during-appeals-process-judge-rules to view the full article online.

7 Easy Tips to Make Your Own Medical Practice Website

Considerations when building your site include what to choose as a domain name, how frequently you will update the site, and how to make the site welcoming for patients considering your practice.

Editor’s note: Check out APMA’s Practice Website Tips at APMA.org.

Visit https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/practice-management/7-easy-tips-to-make-your-own-medical-practice-website to view the full article online.

The Benefit of Flexible Patient Payment Options

Offering multiple payment options to patients with high deductibles has the potential to reduce slow payment.

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s practice management and reimbursement resources. Free to members.

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/money/benefit-flexible-patient-payment-options to view the full article online.

Who Do Americans Trust? Their Nurses, Doctors and Pharmacists, Gallup Poll Finds

In a Gallup poll of most trusted professions, physicians ranked behind only nurses in trustworthiness.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/who-do-americans-trust-their-nurses-doctors-and-pharmacists-gallop-poll-finds to view the full article online.

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