APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

National News
Population health and value-based payments may be contributing to the trend toward physicians seeking employment through hospitals and health systems.

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

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/value-based-pay-a-factor-pushing-docs-to-hospital-work/521839/ to view the full article online.

 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a request for information regarding the possibility of instituting a director provider contract model. CMS will accept comments through May 25.

Visit http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/health-plans/docs-billing-medicare-patients-directly-cms-looks-allow-it to view the full article online.

 
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A recent randomized trial found that patients rated physicians lower in terms of communication skills and compassion when they used and electronic medical record during an office visit rather than a notepad. 

Visit https://www.medpagetoday.com/practicemanagement/informationtechnology/72479 to view the full article online.

 
Focusing on adopting a team-based approach and taking advantage of all the tools that are available can help small practices cope under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

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

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/macra/surviving-and-succeeding-mips-private-practice to view the full article online.

 
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While value-based care isn't disappearing, adjustments could lead to some regulatory and administrative relief for physicians this year. 

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/health-law-policy/why-value-based-care-not-going-away-year to view the full article online.

 
The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 has been advanced on a unanimous vote by members of the Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Editor’s note: APMA has created an Opioid Use and Abuse Prevention resource just for members.

Visit http://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/senate-health-committee-advances-opioid-bill to view the full article online.

 
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What Patients are Reading
Foot ulcers, which affect up to 10 percent of people with diabetes, can lead to serious problems if not treated right away.

Editor's note: Studies prove care by a podiatrist helps prevent diabetes complications and saves health-care outcomes and spending.

Visit https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diabetic-foot-ulcers-why-you-should-never-ignore-them/ to view the full article online.

 
Losing a toenail, which can happen because of infection or trauma, requires care to keep the foot safe while a new nail grows in. 

Visit https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/beauty-style/what-do-if-your-toenail-falling-off to view the full article online.

 
A number of factors come into play for police officers when selecting the right footwear for the job.

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

Visit https://www.policeone.com/police-products/apparel/footwear/articles/473731006-Are-you-a-minimalist-or-a-maximalist-What-cops-need-to-know-about-footwear-trends/ to view the full article online.

 
Sprains, tendinitis, fractures and arthritis may present differently but all require prompt attention.

Editor’s note: April is Foot Health Awareness Month. Check out APMA’s campaign materials and use them in your practice.

Visit http://www.caledonianrecord.com/features/health/health-watch-treating-ankle-and-heel-injuries/article_687e1e5f-2deb-5b8a-8098-417af9a4c13d.html to view the full article online.

 
The ways in which physicians are paid differ sharply depending on whether a physician owns his or her own practice or is employed by a hospital. 

Visit https://wire.ama-assn.org/practice-management/how-physicians-get-paid-see-where-you-fit to view the full article online.

 
In a letter to Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, nearly 50 physician groups called for the agency to reduce the 2018 reporting period for MIPS to 90 days. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/doctors-groups-cms-mips-american-medical-association to view the full article online.

 
According to recent research, the cost of physician services tends to climb following hospital acquisition of physician practices. 

Visit http://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/practice-management/when-physicians-consolidate-medical-prices-climb to view the full article online.

 
Benchmarking can be an effective way to improve the performance of your practice.

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://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/4-steps-to-benchmarking-mgma-michelle-mattingly to view the full article online.

 
American Podiatric Medical Association, Inc.
11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 220, Rockville, MD 20852
PH: 301-581-9200
info@apma.org | www.apma.org