APMA News Brief - January 24, 2019

National News

Medicare Payments Not Covering Care Costs, Many Physician Practices Say

About two-thirds of physician practices report that Medicare payment rates fall short of their cost of delivering care, according to a new survey.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/medicare-payments-not-covering-care-costs-many-physician-practices-say.html to view the full article online.

Doctors Seeing Impact of the Government Shutdown on Patients

According to a new survey, the government shutdown is already having an effect on patients concerned about being able to pay for their care.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/anxiety-missed-appointments-doctors-seeing-impact-government-shutdown-patients to view the full article online.

A Physician’s Guide to Preventing Data Breaches

The cost of data breaches can be significant for small practices, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.

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

Visit http://www.medicaleconomics.com/technology/physicians-guide-preventing-data-breaches to view the full article online.

Virtual Doctor Visits Get High Marks in New Survey

A recent study found that patients who used telehealth as part of their follow-up care reported generally positive experiences.

Editor’s note: Read APMA’s telemedicine issue brief, results of our nationwide teledoc survey, and more on this emerging trend in medicine.

Visit https://consumer.healthday.com/general-health-information-16/doctor-news-206/virtual-doctor-visits-get-high-marks-in-new-survey-741595.html to view the full article online.

46 Health Organizations Pen Letter Warning About Lasting Effects of Government Shutdown

In a letter to President Trump and congressional leaders, dozens of health-related organizations called for immediately restoring full funding to the Food and Drug Administration.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/46-health-organizations-pen-letter-warning-about-lasting-effects-of-government-shutdown.html to view the full article online.

Industry Voices—How Data Analytics Can Help Physician Practices Transition to Value-Based Care Models

Data analytics can help practices get a better grasp of costs and other factors relevant to value-based care.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/tech/how-data-analytics-can-help-physician-practices-transition-to-value-based-care-models to view the full article online.

What Patients are Reading

Your Doctor Will See You Now—at Your Favorite Running Shoe Store

Some podiatrists are strengthening relationships with shoe stores to help patients and customers choose the most appropriate footwear for them.

Visit https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a25902580/doctors-running-shoe-stores-fit/ to view the full article online.

The 7 Heel Trends a Podiatrist Loves and Loathes

The more acceptable heel trends are those in which the heels aren't too high and good structure is maintained.

Editor's note: Recommend APMA Seal-Accepted footwear (Including dress shoes!) to your patients.

Visit https://www.whowhatwear.com/worst-heel-styles-for-feet to view the full article online.

Plantar Fasciitis Surgery Allows Woman to Live Active Lifestyle Again

When other options provide only temporary relief for plantar fasciitis, surgery could be the right choice.

Editor’s note: Download our digital brochure on heel pain, which can be customized you’re your practice information.

Visit https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/outreach/real-men-wear-gowns/plantar-fasciitis-surgery-allows-woman-to-live-active-lifestyle-again/91-8b3a2ccf-3c52-4778-8a3b-e93cb4cb0852 to view the full article online.

Ugly Feet

With a narrow toe box and tiny base of support, stiletto heels can lead to a number of long-term foot problems.

Editor’s note: APMA’s easy to read, concise Foot Health Conditions information page is a resource to share with your patients.

Visit https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/ugly-feet-ng-b881041736z to view the full article online.

Chance of Depression in New Doctors Depends on Where They Train, Research Shows

Interns in programs where certain conditions were in place, such as longer hours, were more likely to report symptoms of depression.

Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/chance-depression-new-doctors-depends-where-they-train-research-shows to view the full article online.

Consulting—What Does it Take?

Short-term consulting projects can be attractive options for physicians, but there are some important considerations involved.

Visit https://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money-digest/lifestyle/consulting-what-does-it-take to view the full article online.

Number of Uninsured Adults Reaches Post-ACA High

Nearly 14 percent of U.S. adults are uninsured, the highest level in four years, according to a new poll.

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/number-of-uninsured-adults-reaches-post-aca-high/546653/ to view the full article online.

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