APMA News Brief

National News

New Requirement for Advanced Imaging Orders

Starting January 1, 2020, any provider ordering an MRI, CT scan, or a nuclear study for a Medicare Part B outpatient must first consult Appropriate Use Criteria using a qualified Clinical Decision Support Mechanism.

Visit https://www.apma.org/News/NewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=37774 to view the full article online.

Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Figures Jump in Week 4

ACA open enrollment numbers now are nearly on par with last year following a recent spike in enrollment.

Editor's note: Visit APMA's health-care reform page to learn more about key provisions in the ACA for podiatrists and more.

Visit https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/affordable-care-act-open-enrollment-figures-jump-week-4 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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Depression in Doctors Linked to Increase in Medical Errors, Study Finds

A new analysis of previous studies found a correlation between physician depression and medical errors.

Editor’s note: Feeling burned out? Our Physician Well-Being resources at www.apma.org/wellbeing can help.

Visit https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/depression-in-doctors-linked-to-increase-in-medical-errors-study-finds/568219/ to view the full article online.

Three Common Real Estate Mistakes Physicians Make

Given the cost of real estate, it’s important for physicians to prepare carefully when entering into leasing and purchasing negotiations.

Editor’s note: Be sure to see the APMA Career Center and practice management and reimbursement resources, on APMA.org.

Visit https://www.medicaleconomics.com/news/three-common-real-estate-mistakes-physicians-make to view the full article online.

Hospital Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Price Transparency Rule

The American Hospital Association and three other hospital groups have asked for injunctions against enforcement of the rule, which is scheduled to take effect at the beginning of 2021.

Visit https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/finance/hospital-groups-file-lawsuit-challenging-price-transparency-rule to view the full article online.

Consumers Increasingly Embrace Tools to Comparison Shop for Health Care: Survey

A new survey reveals increasing interest on the part of consumers in tools that allow them to compare provider data regarding cost and patient satisfaction.

Visit https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/finance/consumers-increasingly-embrace-tools-to-comparison-shop-for-healthcare-survey 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

Ask the Doctors: A Morton's Neuroma Is a Pain in the Foot

A number of factors can contribute to the development of Morton's neuroma, but treatment options are available based on severity.

Visit https://santamariatimes.com/ask-the-doctors-a-morton-s-neuroma-is-a-pain/article_15f6da47-73dc-54ef-a144-14ff5df2c8be.html to view the full article online.

How to Treat a Fungal Nail Infection

Keeping feet dry and using footwear in places like changing rooms and gym showers can help to prevent acquiring a fungal nail infection.

Visit https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/dec/01/how-to-treat-a-fungal-nail-infection to view the full article online.

Podiatrists Urge Proper Foot Care to Prevent Severe Complications From Diabetes

Daily foot exams and scheduling regular visits with a podiatrists are important steps for patients with diabetes.

Editor’s note: Take advantage of APMA’s Diabetes Campaign materials year-round at www.apma.org/diabetes.

Visit https://www.mahoningmatters.com/local-news/podiatrists-urge-proper-foot-care-to-prevent-severe-complications-from-diabetes-1859506 to view the full article online.

Boot Buying Tips for Holiday Shopping Season

Protection from winter weather and making sure of a proper fit are key things to look for when selecting a winter boot.

Visit https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/630739 to view the full article online.

Employed Physicians Now Exceed Those Who Own Their Practices

Data from 2018 shows that percentage of employed physicians now slightly edges out the percentage who own their practice.

Visit https://www.ama-assn.org/about/research/employed-physicians-now-exceed-those-who-own-their-practices to view the full article online.

Should You Really Say, "You’re Fired," to Your Patients?

While patient no-shows can be a big problem for a practice, it can be worth exploring the real reasons behind a patient’s behavior to see if a solution can be found.

Visit https://www.medicaleconomics.com/news/should-you-really-say-youre-fired-your-patients to view the full article online.

American Podiatric Medical Association