APMA News Brief

A new proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would lead to a number of changes, including the removal of 34 quality measures from MIPS.

Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/cms-proposes-rule-pay-telehealth-lower-part-b-add-allow-ma-risk-replace-mips to view the full article online.

While many health-care leaders continue to review the 1,473-page proposed rule, some are weighing in with early reactions to the proposed changes.

Visit https://www.healthcare-informatics.com/article/value-based-care/healthcare-leaders-react-cms-2019-qpp-proposed-rule-and-em-coding-changes to view the full article online.

Both physician and hospital groups have asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reverse the decision to suspend risk adjustment payments.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payer/long-list-prominent-medical-organizations-urge-cms-to-reinstate-risk-adjustment-payments to view the full article online.

A large percentage of patients and their family members are reluctant to voice their concerns in certain clinical situation, according to a new study. 

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/hospitals-health-systems/beth-israel-deaconess-medical-center-patient-engagement-safety-icu to view the full article online.

Former secretaries of the Department of Health and Human Services are among those now suggesting changes to the Stark law. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/calls-to-revamp-physician-self-referral-law-grow-louder/528066/ to view the full article online.

A new survey of physicians and other health-care professionals reveals a high rate of sexual harassment by patients that varies by specialty. 

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/medscape-27-of-physicians-experience-sexual-harassment-from-patients.html to view the full article online.

Some flip-flops are worse for one's feet than others, particularly ones with a thin sole and no arch support.

Visit http://www.postbulletin.com/life/health/no-flip-flopping-you-shouldn-t-wear-flimsy-flip-flops/article_d35d4666-86a2-11e8-b5d4-1394874f00c8.html to view the full article online.

High heels can lead to a host of foot problems, and those who wear them should change the heel height on a daily basis and add cushioning. 

Visit http://www.the-dispatch.com/entertainmentlife/20180716/lowdown-on-high-heels to view the full article online.

Rigid soles, wide toeboxes and arch support are among the features to look for in choosing summer footwear. 

Visit http://www.current-movie-reviews.com/49519/dr-oz-show-the-importance-of-wearing-the-proper-summer-shoes/ to view the full article online.

Avoiding wearing the same pair of shoes on consecutive days is one way to help prevent foot odor.

Visit https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/990286/smelly-feet-remedy-hibiscrub to view the full article online.

When used effectively, social media and other forms of online marketing can help get the word out about your practice.

Visit https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/practice-management/cost-effective-marketing-ideas-for-a-medical-practice to view the full article online.

In a new study involving spine surgeons, researchers found that factors such as billing, wait times and issues with staff members were most likely to be mentioned in negative comments and scores than clinical outcomes. 

Visit https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/finance/dont-let-billing-drag-down-your-patient-ratings to view the full article online.

While physicians should inform patients regarding out-of-pocket costs, they should not be held responsible for them, according to a majority of the respondents to a new NEJM Catalyst survey. 

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/docs-shouldnt-be-held-accountable-for-healthcare-costs-nejm-survey-finds/527833/ to view the full article online.