APMA News Brief

National News

HHS May Nix Reporting Requirements for Value-Based Care Program, Azar Says

Speaking before the Senate Finance Committee, Alex Azar indicated a desire to cut or do away with MIPS reporting requirements for physicians.

Editor’s note: View your performance scores for 2017 claims data now, and visit www.apma.org/macra for more info on MIPS.

Visit https://morningconsult.com/2018/02/15/hhs-may-nix-reporting-requirements-for-value-based-care-program-azar-says/ to view the full article online.

How the New Budget Deal Affects Physicians

The budget deal signed this month by President Trump this month benefits physicians in several ways, according to Robert Doherty.

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/how-new-budget-deal-affects-physicians to view the full article online.

Understand Your Options for Affiliating With Other Practices

New practice models could make merged practices more appealing for some physicians.

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s practice management and reimbursement resources, including compliance materials, HIT info, and much more. Free to members!

Visit https://wire.ama-assn.org/practice-management/understand-your-options-affiliating-other-practices to view the full article online.

MGMA Raises Alarm After CMS Removes Guidance That Protects Practices From 'Unfair' Electronic Payment Fees

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has removed pages from its website that provided guidance to practices on fees related to electronic payments.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/cms-guidance-virtual-credit-cards-electronic-payments-mgma-robert-tennant to view the full article online.

Why #MeToo Has Been Slow to Hit the Medical Field

Fear of retaliation and factors specific to the field may be suppressing the number of harassment complaints filed in health care.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/why-metoo-has-been-slow-to-hit-the-medical-field.html to view the full article online.

4 Ways to Cut Down on No-Show Patients at Your Practice

Strategies that can help reduce no-shows include repeating instructions for properly rescheduling appointments and making sure patients can get through when they call your practice.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/4-steps-to-cut-down-no-show-appointments-elmont-teaching-health-center to view the full article online.

Medical Malpractice Insurance Nuts and Bolts

Considering the high cost of medical malpractice insurance, it pays to be be careful and thorough when selecting a policy.

Editor’s note: APMA provides Medical Liability/Malpractice Reform resources for members.

Visit http://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/personal-finance/medical-malpractice-insurance-nuts-and-bolts to view the full article online.

Leveraging Advancing Care Information to Lift MIPS Scores

Scoring well on the Advancing Care Information section of MIPS might not be as difficult as it appears for practices that have participated in Meaningful Use.

Visit http://medicaleconomics.modernmedicine.com/medical-economics/news/leveraging-advancing-care-information-lift-mips-scores to view the full article online.

Physician Burnout: What Can be Done?

A multi-faceted approach is necessary to adequately deal with the problem of physician burnout.

Visit https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/generalprofessionalissues/71204 to view the full article online.

Physicians Accept $30k Signing Bonus on Average: 5 Things to Know

Signing bonuses for physicians at healthcare systems are higher than ever, according to a new report on physician placement.

Editor’s note: Looking for a change? We can help you at the APMA Career Center.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/physicians-accept-30k-signing-bonus-on-average-5-things-to-know.html to view the full article online.

What Patients are Reading

The Running Doctor: Orthotics and Foot Care

Orthotic can correct gait and pronation problems in children, in addition to assisting athletes.

Editor's note: Recommend APMA Seal products to your patients.

Visit https://www.dariennewsonline.com/news/article/The-Running-Doctor-Orthotics-and-foot-care-12612120.php to view the full article online.

Feel Like Someone's Poking a Sharp Pencil Into Your Heel? This Might Be What's to Blame

A variety of activities, including running in shoes that are past their prime, can lead to plantar fasciitis.

Visit https://coach.nine.com.au/2018/02/20/17/41/heel-foot-pain-plantar-fasciitis to view the full article online.

The 4 Best Toe Separators For Hammertoes

Using toe separators can bring some relief to those with hammertoes, as can physical therapy.

Editor's note: Recommend APMA Seal products to your patients.

Visit https://www.bustle.com/p/the-4-best-toe-separators-for-hammertoes-8243873 to view the full article online.

From Bunions and Pinched Nerves to Severe Lower Back Pain: How High Heels Are Causing Serious Health Problems to Your Body

While wearing high heels can result in a host of problems, including bunions, but taking certain steps can reduce the risk.

Visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5410641/High-heels-cause-health-problems-body.html to view the full article online.

American Podiatric Medical Association