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APMA News Brief

American Podiatric Medical Association

National News
Multiple agencies, including the FBI, have collaborated to break up one of the largest Medicare fraud schemes in history, dubbed “Operation Brace Yourself.” Charges have been announced against 24 people across the world who allegedly billed Medicare for more than $1 billion worth of unnecessary durable medical equipment. This involved mostly back, shoulder, wrist, and knee braces. Learn more about how to avoid becoming involved in a situation like this.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/apm-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=555760&issueID=63846 to view the full article online.

 
Eighteen percent of physicians used telehealth technology last year, according to a new survey, a sharp increase over 2015.

 

Editor’s note: Read APMA’s issue brief and more information on telehealth.

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/physician-telehealth-use-up-340-since-2015-survey-finds/552890/ to view the full article online.

 
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Patients with chronic conditions are more likely to keep up with taking their medications if they use a mobile health tracker, according to new data.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/tech/use-digital-health-activity-trackers-linked-to-better-medication-adherence-study to view the full article online.

 
Factors for physicians to consider when setting their own salary include upcoming capital costs, reinvestment in the practice, and staffing considerations.

Visit https://www.medicaleconomics.com/physician-report/best-practices-setting-your-own-salary to view the full article online.

 
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NEW BALANCE ATHLETICS, INC.
A new survey suggests that physicians overall have an optimistic outlook about their practices, especially women and younger physicians.

Visit https://www.mdlinx.com/internal-medicine/article/3628 to view the full article online.

 
A new report details the percentage of physicians who are involved in various models of reimbursement.

Visit https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-coding-billing-and-collections/44-of-physicians-participate-in-fee-for-service-models-6-statistics.html to view the full article online.

 
What Patients are Reading
When home remedies aren't enough, it's best to turn to a podiatrist for diagnosing and treating foot-related conditions.

 

Learn more about APMA's Spring Foot Health Campaign, which coincides with National Foot Health Awareness month, and visit www.apma.org/foothealth for resources designed for patients, members, and components and affiliates!

Visit https://www.masslive.com/living/2019/04/podiatrists-treat-foot-related-problems-with-variety-of-medical-surgical-therapies.html to view the full article online.

 
Proper foot cleaning and drying and not wearing the same pair of shoes every day are among the ways to prevent feet from smelling.

 

Editor’s note: See antifungal products awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance/Approval.

Visit https://uk.style.yahoo.com/heres-sort-smelly-feet-time-114800090.html to view the full article online.

 
Wearing footwear that isn't appropriate for high-intensity activities can lead to injury and other foot problems.

 

Editor's note: Tell your patients about APMA's list of athletic shoes given the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Visit https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/podiatrists-are-treating-more-people-with-expensive-sneaker-disease-20190411-p51d5h.html to view the full article online.

 
Wearing compression socks when flying can benefit people who are at risk for blood clots.

Visit https://www.wellandgood.com/good-travel/what-do-compression-socks-do/ to view the full article online.

 
The study found that even during the time first-year physicians spent with patients, many were still working on medical records.

 

Editor’s note: See APMA’s EHR resources to help you choose the right EHR for your practice, and take advantage of our physician well-being resources at www.apma.org/wellbeing for tips on managing burnout.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/tech/first-year-doctors-spend-three-times-more-hours-ehrs-than-patient-care to view the full article online.

 
Potential strategies to improve the financial health of a physician practice include adding staff and re-examining contracts with payers.

 

Editor’s note: APMA provides practice management and reimbursement resources for members at APMA.org.

Visit https://www.medicaleconomics.com/physician-report/driving-growth to view the full article online.

 
According to a new study, female physicians with children shoulder most of the domestic responsibilities in their home life.

Visit https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/physician-mothers-do-more-housework-than-spouses-study-finds.html 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