National News
A letter signed by dozens of physicians groups and several state hospital associations asserts that because the Independent Payment Advisory Board must reach "scoreable savings within a one-year time period," it is likely to cut payments for healthcare providers as a short-term solution. Click here to continue reading.
Editor’s note: APMA and its state components are among 500 groups to sign the latest IPAB repeal letter sent to Congress May 6.
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As the ACA passes its fifth birthday, its effects are being felt throughout the health care system. Other studies in the variety issue examine unnecessary testing and health professional training, as well as other topics; all serve as a reminder of the many ways in which the health care system is changing. Click here to continue reading.
Editor's note: Visit APMA's healthcare reform page for more resources and information on how the ACA affects the profession.
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What Patients are Reading
This brave new digital world has one huge risk: You don’t own your health information. Click here to continue reading.
Editor’s note: APMA provides HIPAA Privacy and Security Manuals for members on APMA.org.
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High heels hurt. If you’ve worn them, then you probably know this already. But are high heels also bad for you? A 2014 survey from the American Podiatric Medical Association — composed of the nation’s top foot and lower-leg docs — found heels were far and away the most common cause of foot pain among women.
Visit http://time.com/3847330/you-asked-do-high-heels-actually-damage-my-feet/ to view the full article online.
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First-quarter profit at Health Net edged slightly upward, but the effects of the Affordable Care Act on the health insurer's swelling membership and top line was perhaps more notable. Click here to continue reading.
Editor’s note: Learn more about health insurance exchanges and read APMA’s policy briefs at APMA's healthcare reform page.
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Medicare beneficiaries cared for in Pioneer accountable care organizations (ACOs) had a smaller rise in healthcare spending than traditional fee-for-service beneficiaries without any compromise in the experience of care, suggest data from the program's first two years. Click here to continue reading.
Editor’s note: Don’t miss APMA’s resources on ACOs.
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Many of electronic medical record (EMR) programs have an add-on that is supposed to help physicians in the hospital setting with ICD-10 coding. It often is composed of dropdown menus that allow physicians to pick a word pattern with an associated code. Click here to continue reading.
Editor’s note: APMA’s ICD-10 Resources will help you prepare for the transition to happen Oct. 1, 2015.
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The Obama administration is finally getting tough with states that refuse to expand Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It is a welcome sight to behold. Click here to continue reading.
Editor's note: See APMA’s Medicaid resources at APMA.org.
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