APMA News Brief

National News

CMS Proposal May Give Docs More Room to Use Remote Patient Monitoring

The proposed 2020 Physician Fee Schedule contains two changes that could affect reimbursement for remote patient monitoring.

Editor’s note: APMA is carefully evaluating the CY 2020 MPFS proposed rule's impact on members. The association will provide feedback via comments to CMS to ensure podiatrists' interests are represented.

Visit https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/cms-proposal-may-give-docs-more-room-to-use-remote-patient-monitoring to view the full article online.

When Private Equity Calls: 3 Keys for Physicians to Know

In deciding whether to accept an offer from a private equity firm, it pays to consider the effects on compensation and control of practice management.

Visit https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/payment-delivery-models/when-private-equity-calls-3-keys-physicians-know to view the full article online.

EpiFix® Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Membrane Allograft

Intended for homologous use in the treatment acute and chronic wounds, EpiFix allografts may be stored at ambient conditions for up to 5 years and are available in a variety of sizes. Explore the use of EpiFix® in your wound treatment applications.

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HHS Proposal to Roll Back Nondiscrimination Protection Draws 130K Comments

Opponents to a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services claim it would decrease protections for groups of patients vulnerable to discrimination.

Editor’s note: APMA sent comments to HHS voicing strong support for HHS’ proposal to eliminate the Section 1557 requirement for notices and taglines in multiple languages, stating that HHS’ own evidence indicated that these notices did not have the desired impact of improving health-care accessibility among other things. Read APMA’s comment letter to HHS.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/practices/more-than-130-000-comments-trump-administration-s-rule-would-rollback-nondiscrimination to view the full article online.

Penn State Leader on Physician Burnout: 'It's Time to Act'

A researcher with years of experience treating burnout symptoms in physicians is recommending a systematic approach to address the problem.

Editor’s note: Please see APMA’s new Physician Well-Being resources at www.apma.org/wellbeing for help managing burnout, work–life balance, and more.

Visit https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/clinical-care/penn-state-leader-physician-burnout-its-time-act to view the full article online.

2019 Physician Burnout Survey: Results Show Growing Crisis in Medicine

A new survey suggests high levels of burnout among physicians, with paperwork and regulatory requirements topping the list of contributing factors.

Editor’s note: Take this quick, confidential “Well-Being Index” survey from the Mayo Clinic at www.apma.org/wellbeing.

Visit https://www.medicaleconomics.com/news/2019-physician-burnout-survey-results-show-growing-crisis-medicine to view the full article online.

Medical Groups Want Changes to CMS Patients Over Paperwork Program

Two medical group associations have asked CMS to revisit its proposed documentation and reporting requirements.

Editor’s note: APMA also sent comments to CMS, HHS supporting burden reduction for members.

Visit https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/medical-groups-want-changes-cms-patients-over-paperwork-program to view the full article online.

The Nature-Fit Difference

Proprietary design addresses the insole issue: Rigid insoles do not allow the arch to move downward enough to fully handle the shock of a foot strike. Soft insoles collapse under pressure and cannot prevent the arch from flattening. Custom orthotics are designed to fit the patient’s flawed foot rather than make the foot healthy.

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What Patients are Reading

Caring for Your Feet Is Important When You Have Diabetes

Examining one's feet daily and seeking care from a podiatrist are important considerations for those living with diabetes.

Editor’s note: Download, customize, and print colorful brochures on diabetes and other foot-health topics for your practice.

Visit https://www.poconorecord.com/entertainmentlife/20190814/caring-for-your-feet-is-important-when-you-have-diabetes to view the full article online.

One of the Worst Things You Can Do to Your Feet in the Summer

For those who wear toenail polish, it can be a good idea to take a break from it now and then to reduce the possibility of toenail fungus forming.

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s toenail fungus information with your patients. See antifungal products awarded APMA’s Seal of Acceptance/Approval.

Visit https://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/toenail-fungus-from-nail-polish/ to view the full article online.

How Do I Deal With My Ugly Feet in the Summer?

Choosing footwear that fits properly can help to decrease the likelihood that corns will form.

Editor’s note: Share APMA’s corns and calluses information with your patients.

Visit https://thekit.ca/style/ask-the-kit-style/corns-on-feet-solutions/ to view the full article online.

What to Know About Plantar Callus

While calluses are usually not painful, in the case of large or painful calluses, it’s best to see a podiatrist.

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

Visit https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325993.php to view the full article online.

Do Patients Lie to Their Doctors?

Nearly a quarter of patients admit to having lied to their physician at some point, according to a new survey.

Visit https://www.medicaleconomics.com/news/do-patients-lie-their-doctors to view the full article online.

Medical Devices Pose Cybersecurity and Patient Threat

Cybersecurity threats don’t only exist within health-care settings; they can also pose problems for mobile medical devices.

Editor’s note: Visit APMA’s Health IT resource page for guidance to help doctors and hospitals with EHR selection, security, implementation and other issues.

Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/node/139051 to view the full article online.

10 Tips to Empower Physicians in Work, Life, and Wellness

Wellness tips for physicians include cultivating activities outside the office and prioritizing self-care.

Editor’s note: APMA has burnout resources for members at www.apma.org/wellbeing.

Visit https://www.physiciansweekly.com/10-tips-to-empower-physicians-in-work-life-and-wellness/ to view the full article online.

American Podiatric Medical Association