APMA News Brief

National News

House Republicans Unveil Healthcare Alternative to Obamacare

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled an alternative plan to overhaul the nation's healthcare system on Wednesday, slamming Obamacare even as they aim to keep some of its more popular provisions.

Visit http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-healthcare-ryan-idUSKCN0Z80AQ to view the full article online.

Medicare and Social Security Trustees Warn of Shortfalls

The Obama administration said Wednesday, that the financial outlook for Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund had deteriorated slightly in the last year and that Social Security still faced serious long-term financial problems.

Visit http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/23/us/politics/medicare-social-security-trustees-report.html to view the full article online.

Federal Program That Helps Patients Navigate Medicare May Be Cut

A program that has helped seniors understand the many intricacies of Medicare, as well as save them millions of dollars, would be eliminated by a budget bill overwhelmingly approved last week by the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

Visit http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/17/482392987/federal-program-that-helps-patients-navigate-medicare-may-be-cut to view the full article online.

Diabetes Raises Risk of Heart Attack Death by 50 Percent

Having diabetes increases the risk of dying from the effects of a heart attack by around 50 percent, according to a widespread study. The study's participants with diabetes were 39 percent more likely to have died if they had a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attack -- in which the artery is partially blocked -- than those without diabetes.

Editor’s note: Check out the latest issue of JAPMA Online for cutting-edge foot and ankle research.

Visit https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160622102120.htm to view the full article online.

Skip the Pedicure With These Foot Issues

Warmer weather means it’s time for pedicure season. But take a peek at your feet — ankles, toes, heels — before you step into a pedicure chair. Podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, who practices in New York and New Jersey, said she sees people coming in post-pedicure who might have gotten infections or had untreated foot issues worsened by a pedicure.

Visit http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-one-simple-thing-pedicure-donts-0615-20160615-story.html?utm_term=5.24&utm_content=5.24&utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Foot.com to view the full article online.

A Parent’s Guide for Foot Health for Athletic Kids

Millions of American children will participate in warm weather sports this year, from softball to soccer and swimming to cycling. No matter what their sport or whether they play competitively or just for fun, they will have one important thing in common: They’ll need their feet to be pain-free if they’re going to play their best and prevent injuries.

Visit http://www.villagerpublishing.com/80014/news/schools-sports/a-parents-guide-to-foot-health-for-athletic-kids/?utm_term=5.24&utm_content=5.24&utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Foot.com to view the full article online.

11 Tips for Good Diabetes Foot Care

You may think of diabetes as a blood sugar problem, and it is. But the nerve and blood vessel damage caused by diabetes can also become a problem for your feet if you develop neuropathy (which occurs in about 70 percent of people with diabetes) and lose feeling in your feet or hands or get an infection.

Visit http://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health-pictures/11-tips-for-good-diabetes-foot-care.aspx#01 to view the full article online.

3 Summer Shoe Styles That Can Cause Injuries

When it is summer, it’s almost synonymous to go to the beach and have fun. During this time, people are all busy planning for a summer vacation by the beach, which means that you have to set aside your shoes and boots this time around. This season is the time to wear appropriate slippers like flip flops and sandals as you can see the people around you doing.

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s Flip Flops Gone Wild video with your patients.

Visit http://www.footadvice.com/3-summer-shoe-styles-that-can-cause-injuries/ to view the full article online.

5 Tips to Fix Your Aching Feet

At some point, most of us have experienced aching feet, whether it's after a long day of work or play. There are a variety of factors that can make you prone to sore feet. Click "learn more" below to find out more.

Visit https://www.verywell.com/five-tips-to-fix-your-aching-feet-1337689 to view the full article online.

How to Prevent Fungal Foot Infections While Hiking this Summer

What sucks the joy from a backpacking trip or day hike? A fungal foot infection. In fact, fungal infections suck the joy from just about anything. The cases we treat at The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine cause maddening levels of itching and burning. In severe cases, patients can hardly walk. The nickname "trench foot" comes from the prevalence of this fungal infection among soldiers, but the condition can affect any athlete or avid summer hiker who doesn’t take careful preventative measures.

Editor’s note: See anti-fungal products awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance/Approval.

Visit http://healingfeet.com/foot-fungus/prevent-fungal-foot-infections-hiking-summer to view the full article online.

4 Forces That Will influence Medical Cost Trends in 2017

The healthcare industry is in a transformation period. The rising use of retail clinics, MACRA, population health efforts and the Medicare Part B demonstration are but a few examples of disruptive conversations being had in board rooms. Yet, all of these discussions are underscored by the one topic underlying most business conversations: the almighty dollar.

Visit http://www.healthcaredive.com/news/4-forces-that-will-influence-medical-cost-trends-in-2017/421162/ to view the full article online.

Bulk of Doctors Say Healthcare is Failing to Stem Physician Burnout, Survey Says

Time pressures were the top cause of physician burnout, according to the responses, followed by the burden of electronic health records.

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/bulk-doctors-say-healthcare-failing-stem-physician-burnout-survey-says to view the full article online.

CMS Continues to Shake Up Payer Landscape, Seeks Adjustments to Payment Error Rate Measurements

CMS released a proposed rule Monday that could update the programs that measure Medicaid improper payments and eligibility. The rule would implement provisions of the ACA to change how states determine eligibility for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Visit http://www.healthcaredive.com/news/cms-continues-to-shake-up-payer-landscape-seeks-adjustments-to-payment-err/421259/ to view the full article online.

11 Key Statistics About the Healthcare Payment Market

Growing consumer demand for convenience and transparency has created new opportunities and presented significant challenges for those involved in the business of healthcare.

Visit http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/11-key-statistics-about-the-healthcare-payment-market.html to view the full article online.

HHS Targets Young Adults in 2017 Obamacare Enrollment Plan

About 45 percent of 2014 taxpayers who paid a penalty or claimed an exemption from the penalty were under age 35, HHS says.

Editor's note: Visit APMA's health care reform page to learn more about key provisions in the ACA for podiatrists and more.

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/hhs-targets-young-adults-2017-obamacare-enrollment-plan to view the full article online.

AHIP Institute: 8 Lessons From Health Plans That Manage Complex Patients

Health plans that have member populations with complex care needs face challenges that require these organizations’ leaders to think differently, experts said during a panel at the 2016 AHIP Institute.

Visit http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/ahip-institute-8-lessons-from-health-plans-manage-complex-patients to view the full article online.

American Podiatric Medical Association