APMA News Brief

National News

Joint-Provider Agreement Webinar Series: Earn Six CECH at No Cost

APMA has entered into a joint-provider agreement with the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine for a six-part webinar series, “2019 Webinar Series—Pharmacy, Podiatry, Optometry, Dental, and Audiology Inter-Professional Education and Inter-Professional Collaboration in Diabetes Care.” Podiatrists can earn one CECH at no cost by viewing and completing the post assessment for each webinar for a total of six CECH. Members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/apm-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=540913&issueID=63833 to view the full article online.

HHS Sets 3 Priorities for New Physician-Focused Payment Models

The priorities identified by the Department of Health and Human Services include simplicity, transparency and accountability.

Editor’s note: APMA has resources to help guide you through the payment and reimbursement process for public and private plans.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/hhs-sets-3-priorities-for-new-physician-focused-payment-models to view the full article online.

Retiring Physician? Some Things to Consider Before You Hang it Up

For a physician, making a smooth transition to retirement requires preparation and an awareness of certain requirements.

Editor’s note: Get info on selling or closing a practice on the APMA Career Center.

Visit https://www.natlawreview.com/article/retiring-physician-some-things-to-consider-hanging-your-stethoscope to view the full article online.

Medicare Changes Could Have Some Patients Paying More For Drugs

Moving coverage of certain drugs from Medicare Part B to Part D could increase out-of-pocket expenses for patients according to some experts.

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

Visit https://www.mdlinx.com/practice-management/top-medical-news/article/2019/01/15/7553334 to view the full article online.

Half of Young Patients Don't Get Private Time With Physicians, Study Finds

Positive effects of receiving private time included increased disclosure on the part of the patient, as well as a better opinion of the physician.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/patient-engagement/half-of-young-patients-don-t-get-private-time-with-physician-study-finds.html to view the full article online.

Why Providers Need to Take a Fresh Look at Patient Engagement

Technology can help to increase engagement by providing options to patients on a variety of fronts.

Editor’s Note: Patient engagement is more technology based than ever. Check out the Health IT Playbook section of APMA’s Health IT resources on APMA.org to learn more about this important topic.

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/technology/why-providers-need-take-fresh-look-patient-engagement to view the full article online.

What Patients are Reading

Go the Distance When Researching the Best Running Shoe

When shoe shopping, it's best to try on shoes in a store, preferably later in the day when feet are at their largest.

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s guide to choosing running shoes with your patients.

Visit https://gazette.com/life/go-the-distance-when-researching-the-best-running-shoe/article_91975954-c673-11e8-8895-5fd5189b7923.html to view the full article online.

Health Matters: Supporting Your Feet

Heel pain has a number of potential causes, but some simple steps can help reduce the risk.

Editor’s note: Download our digital brochure on heel pain, which can be customized you’re your practice information.

Visit https://www.nbc-2.com/story/39785300/health-matters-supporting-your-feet to view the full article online.

Winter Foot Care

Wearing the right socks, making sure to trim one’s toe nails, and treating dry and cracked heels are ways to help maintain foot health in the winter months.

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s Winter Foot Health Tips with your patients.

Visit https://www.themountaineer.com/life/health/winter-foot-care/article_7a4ee11a-137e-11e9-9df9-6fe313504139.html to view the full article online.

Tips to Avoid, Treat Frostbite

Keeping dry, dressing in layers and considering the use of ski sock liners are among the ways to help ward off frostbite in cost weather.

Visit http://www.pressandguide.com/news/tips-to-avoid-treat-frostbite/article_4e88e8c6-15c9-11e9-9673-d713fb63bde1.html to view the full article online.

Payer, Provider Trends to Watch in 2019

Hot topics in health-care in 2019 are likely to include price transparency and the continued adoption of digital technology.

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/payer-provider-trends-to-watch-in-2019/545612/ to view the full article online.

No Quick Fix for Physician Burnout, Depression

Close to half of physicians have been affected by burnout, according to a recent survey, with administrative responsibilities listed as the most frequent cause.

Visit https://www.reuters.com/article/us-physician-burnout/no-quick-fix-for-physician-burnout-depression-idUSKCN1PA2BK to view the full article online.

Physician–Patient Relationships: The Benefits of Long-Term Medical Practice

The benefits to a long-term relationship between a physician and a patient can include more open communication and a better sense of the patient's individual needs.

Visit https://www.medicalbag.com/medicine/long-term-medical-practice-relationship-benefits/article/827316/ to view the full article online.

AMA Survey Finds Medical Practices Are Slow to Embrace Telehealth

Cost is a leading factor in the relatively slow adoption of telehealth services by smaller physician practices, according to a survey.

Editor’s note: Read APMA’s telemedicine issue brief, results of our nationwide teledoc survey, and more on this emerging trend in medicine.

Visit https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/ama-survey-finds-medical-practices-are-slow-to-embrace-telehealth to view the full article online.

American Podiatric Medical Association