Don't forget the immunization administration code -- FPM
To get paid for the costs associated with administering vaccines, including staff time and supplies, be sure to report a code for the administration.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/immunization_administration_codes.html
Three principles for improving patient satisfaction with service -- FPM
Practices can focus on improving these three areas to boost patient satisfaction with the quality of their care.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/improving_service.html
Your next job: How to find the right work environment -- FPM
Physicians investigating a new job will naturally be concerned about compensation. But you should also ask these five questions to see if the new workplace is right for you.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/job_hunting.html
Two reasons to provide Medicare annual wellness visits -- FPM
With less than 16 percent of eligible patients receiving a Medicare annual wellness visit, patients and practices are missing out on two key benefits.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/Medicare_AWV_value.html
Billing for multiple skin procedures: three steps -- FPM
If you perform more than one skin procedure for the same patient on the same day, follow these three special billing rules to get the correct payment.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/multiple_skin_procedures.html
A sample workflow to address medication nonadherence related to cost -- FPM
To quickly screen for and address prescription cost concerns, use this sample workflow.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/prescription_costs.html
Four strategies to reduce patients' prescription drug costs -- FPM
The cost of medications has long been a concern for patients. With unemployment spiking due to COVID-19, they may need your help saving money on meds.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/reduce_prescription_costs.html
How to check if you are MIPS-eligible in 2018 -- FPM
CMS has taken a second look at whether physicians are eligible for MIPS in 2018. Find out if you have to report - and if your 2020 payments are at risk.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2018_MIPS_eligibility_status.html
Save time, start preparing for 2018 MIPS reporting -- FPM
The 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting period is approaching fast. Here's how to be ready to submit your information when it comes.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2018_MIPS_reporting.html
CMS extends preview period for Physician Compare -- FPM
Technical problems have forced the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to extend the deadline for physicians wanting to review the information about them and their practices that the agency plans to be release publicly through the Physician Compare website.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_extends_preview_period_for_Physician_Compare.html
The top Medicare changes to know for 2020 -- FPM
The annual Medicare update includes changes to documentation requirements, coding and payment.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_Medicare_update.html
Are you getting paid for non-face-to-face prolonged care? -- FPM
CMS in January created a set of CPT codes that allows physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to bill for non-face-to-face prolonged care of patients.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/are_you_getting_paid_for_non-face-to-face_prolonged.html
CMS Primary Care Initiative provides new payment models -- FPM
The Primary Care Initiative announced by CMS will give family physicians new payment streams aimed at increasing value-based care.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_Primary_Care_Initiative.html
Earn MIPS credit for participating in CMS study -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is looking for physicians to participate in a study measuring the burdens of collecting and reporting care quality data. Participants can receive credit under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/earn_MIPS_credit_for_participating_in_CMS_study.html
How to find a patient's new Medicare number -- FPM
Starting next month, you’ll be able to look up your Medicare patients’ new Medicare number through the secure web portal of your Medicare Administrative Contractor.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/finding_a_new_Medicare_number.html
CMS reiterates physicians’ central role in home health planning -- FPM
The agency's guidance comes as it implements a new home health payment system called the Patient-Driven Groupings Model.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/home_health_guidance.html
Use of hurricane-related ICD-10 codes is changing -- FPM
The external cause codes for hurricane-related encounters have existed since ICD-10 was adopted. The important change, beginning Oct. 1, is that the National Center for Health Statistics provided clear definition on how to apply the codes correctly.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/hurricane_codes.html
New demonstration project can exempt physicians from MIPS -- FPM
Looking to avoid the reporting requirements and payment adjustments imposed by the Merit-based Incentive Payment System? A new demonstration project now taking applications may be your opportunity.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/MAQI_demonstration.html
What to do when an MBI changes -- FPM
It's time to start using Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers, if you aren't already. But how will you know if a patient's MBI changes?
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/MBI_changes.html
Medicare payment news for 2018: the key takeaways -- FPM
As 2017 draws to a close, the Medicare program is notifying physicians how they will be evaluated and paid for treating patients in 2018. In case you’re not an avid reader of the Federal Register (and most people aren’t), let’s go over some details.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_payment_news_the_key_takeaways.html
Is your MIPS score/Medicare payment adjustment incorrect? Time is running out to ...
Physicians must submit a targeted review request by Sept. 30, 2019, if they feel their 2018 MIPS final score/2020 MIPS payment adjustments are incorrect.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/mips_review.html
More Medicare money potentially headed to you -- FPM
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 is requiring Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) to reprocess practice claims, which could mean some physicians will see a boost in reimbursement
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/More_Medicare_money_potentially_headed_your_way.html
Looking ahead to this year's new diagnosis codes -- FPM
It’s not too early to start preparing for the annual round of ICD-10 diagnosis coding changes effective for dates of service on or after Oct. 1.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/New_ICD10_Codes_Fall_2018.html
Ask beneficiaries to designate you their primary clinician online -- FPM
If you treat Medicare patients, you and your patients likely value the relationships you’ve formed. As Medicare continues to change how it reimburses physicians for beneficiary care, it would be helpful if the program knew about and honored those relationships, right?
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/mymedicare_voluntary_alignment.html
What’s your Medicare quality report score? Find out here. -- FPM
Access your annual Physician Feedback report and Quality and Resource Use Report to find out if you'll receive a payment adjustment in 2018.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/new_medicare_quality_report.html
Performance scores for 2017 QPP claims data are now available -- FPM
If you used claims to submit 2017 quality data for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System, you can now find out how you did.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/performance_scores_for_2017_claims_data.html
Got an idea to reduce physician burden? CMS wants to hear it -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has opened a request for information, looking for ways to reduce paperwork and allow physicians to spend more time on patient care.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/reducing_physician_burden.html
Still time to request review of your MIPS final score -- FPM
If you believe Medicare has made an error in your 2019 MIPS payment adjustment calculation, you have only a few more weeks to request a targeted review.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/requesting_MIPS_targeted_review.html
ICD-10-CM vaping coding guidance -- FPM
The CDC has issued supplemental ICD-10 guidance to help physicians submit claims for services provided to patients with vaping-related lung injuries.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/vaping_coding_guidance.html
Think 99214 if you see these problems or procedures -- FPM
The risk component of medical decision making is more subjective and can be difficult to identify, so here’s what to look for.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/99214_presenting_problems.html
Five tips to build resilience -- FPM
Building resilience can help you quickly recover from the pressures that cause burnout.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/cultivating_resilience.html
A five-step approach to documenting uncertain diagnoses -- FPM
Disciplined note construction is critical to effective communication between physicians and may also contribute to clearer medical decision making.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/documenting_uncertain_diagnoses.html
Provide employee criticism the right way -- FPM
Providing employees with critical feedback can be difficult. One physician shares how he does it, and how to increase the likelihood that the worker listens.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/employee_criticism.html
Unconventional career advice: a physician reflects on her dad -- FPM
With Father’s Day approaching, one family physician looks back on her father’s words of wisdom that inspired her quest to become a doctor.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/fathers_day_advice.html
Why being humble can make you a better leader -- FPM
Physician leaders do not necessarily need big, self-confident personalities to attract and inspire their teams. Here are some reasons why some humility can go a long way.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/humble_leader.html
Physician autonomy: the missing ingredient for motivation at work -- FPM
Research suggests that professionals are primarily motivated by three things at work: purpose, mastery, and autonomy. But for most physicians, self-directing their work is a struggle because their organizations don’t make it easy. Here’s what groups should do.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/physician_autonomy1.html
ICD-10 coding for patients with hypertension and heart failure -- FPM
Here’s how to code for heart failure when it is not caused by your patient’s hypertension.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/hypertension_heart_failure.html
How to get sedentary patients to exercise -- FPM
This Maryland-based practice created a special area trail guide to help patients get out of their house and get walking.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/sedentary_patients.html
Three tips to optimize care for refugee patients -- FPM
Family physicians are well positioned to care for refugee patients. Three tips can help.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/refugee_care.html
Six simple symptom diaries to help your patients help you -- FPM
Patients who keep track of their symptoms or activities can make diagnosis and treatment much easier. These examples of patient diaries can get you started.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/symptom_diaries.html
One item that makes documentation easier during a telehealth visit -- FPM
Telehealth visits have spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it’s hard to document a visit on a computer while you’re also using it to communicate with a patient via video.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/telehealth_documentation_setup.html
How to cultivate a warm handoff for patient referrals -- FPM
Both you and your patients can benefit when referrals are characterized by a warm handoff. Focus on these three key elements.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/warm_handoff.html
What family physicians are earning -- FPM
Family physician total compensation averaged $234,000 per year at the outset of 2020, according to a new report. But how will COVID-19 affect physicians financially?
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/what_family_physicians_earn.html
MIPS feedback reports for 2018 now available -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released reports showing how physicians fared during the 2018 Quality Payment Program performance year.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2018_QPP_Feedback_Reports.html
Family physician pay goes up, satisfaction with pay goes down -- FPM
An annual survey of physician compensation shows a healthy gain for physicians. How do you compare?
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_compensation.html
Avoid mistakes when coding for preventive medicine services -- FPM
Selecting the appropriate code will hopefully facilitate payment for preventive services and reduce some unpleasant questions from patients.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/avoiding_mistakes_preventive_coding.html
Wanted: Bank information to pay APM bonuses -- FPM
The federal government has posted a list of clinicians it owes bonus money. Here's how to find out if you're on it, and how to claim your cash if you are.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/APM_banking_info.html
Cigna to stop paying for consultation codes -- FPM
Cigna is set to stop paying CPT codes for consultations provided to their customers. Here's how to avoid losing that revenue.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/cigna_stops_paying_consultation_codes.html
Coding for wound care: Is your EHR leading you astray? -- FPM
Remember these tips for properly coding three common types of wounds.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coding_wound_care.html
Medicare webinar on glucose supplies scheduled for Feb. 11 -- FPM
The webinar will include guidelines for coverage along with the information patients and suppliers need from physicians.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/glucose_supplies_webinar.html
Proper diagnosis coding for malignant neoplasms -- FPM
When selecting diagnosis codes for suspected, current, and personal history of malignant neoplasms, you need to follow specific rules for ICD-10.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/malignant_neoplasms.html
Next wave of new Medicare cards rolls out -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has started mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries who live in Wave 6 states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_6.html
Medicare resolves beneficiary entitlement date errors -- FPM
CMS has fixed an issue with beneficiary entitlement date errors that caused improper claim denials and is reprocessing affected claims.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_errors_fix.html
Time is running out to transition to new Medicare numbers -- FPM
Effective Jan. 1, 2020, you must use Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) when billing Medicare, regardless of the date of service.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_identifiers_changing.html
A one-stop shop for Medicare documentation requirements? -- FPM
CMS plans to list all the documentation that’s required for Medicare payment in one central location - the new Provider Documentation Manual.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_provider_documentation_manual.html
Wait times coming down for physician visits -- FPM
Physician offices in the U.S. have cut visit wait times for patients by five minutes in the past year, according to a new survey.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/mgma_survey_wait_times.html
Oct. 2 represents key 2017 MIPS deadline for some physicians -- FPM
If you or your practice plans to participate fully or partially in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System in 2017, and you plan to report 90 consecutive days of data for the year, then Monday, Oct. 2, is the last day you can begin.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/MIPS_90_days_deadline_Oct_2.html
New Medicare card lookup tool gets update -- FPM
Even if your Medicare patients haven't yet received their new ID cards, you can lookup their beneficiary identifier online.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/New_Medicare_card_tool_update.html
Use 30-day window to review what Physician Compare says about you -- FPM
Beginning, Oct. 18, CMS is giving physicians 30 days to preview the information about them on Physician Compare before publicly releasing it online.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/review_what_Physician_Compare_says_about_you.html
UnitedHealthcare to expand payment for after-hours primary care -- FPM
UnitedHealthcare says it will begin on Aug. 18 paying for CPT code 99051, which recognizes the value of primary care practices improving convenience to patients by being open additional hours.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/UHC_code_99051.html
How to code a screening test vs. a monitoring test (and why it matters) -- FPM
At annual exams, patients often expect that any tests ordered will be considered preventive and covered 100 percent by their insurer. To avoid confusion, make sure you follow this ICD-10 rule.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/screening_vs_monitoring.html
Updated tool lets physicians lookup 2018 MIPS eligibility -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has updated its Merit-based Incentive Payment System Eligibility Lookup Tool to inform physicians if they must report for the program in 2018.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Updated_tool_lets_physicians_lookup_2018_MIPS_eligibility.html
University of Southern California program wins 2017 FPM Award for Practice Improvement ...
The University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine has won this year’s FPM Award for Practice Improvement.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/USC_program_wins_2017_FPM_Award_Practice_Improvement.html
Six exercise apps to get your patients moving -- FPM
To help your patients get more exercise, recommend these six highly rated mobile apps.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/exercise_apps.html
Unhealthy family dynamics in the exam room: how to respond -- FPM
When family members complicate a patient visit, consider these five questions to get to the root of the problem and respond appropriately.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/family_dynamics_in_the_exam_room.html
Five signs of possible medication diversion in your practice -- FPM
The misuse by patients of prescription medications, especially controlled substances, is a major problem for primary care physicians. Look for these signs of potential medical diversion.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medication_diversion.html
Five mobile apps to encourage mindfulness -- FPM
Five mobile applications to help patients use mindfulness to treat depression, chronic pain, tobacco use disorder, and other problems.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/mindfulness_apps.html
A quick and simple technique for delivering negative feedback -- FPM
A feedback sandwich can help you to organize feedback in a way that makes it more effective and easier to deliver.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/negative_feedback.html
Five ways to reduce errors based on reliability science -- FPM
The key to reducing errors isn’t simply to try harder but to put processes in place that make it easy to do the right thing at the right time. Here are five ways to achieve this.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/reducing_errors.html
Drowning in paperwork requests? Try redirecting these three types -- FPM
Having to fill out paperwork for patients you haven't treated or diagnosed can be a burden. Follow this advice for sending that work where it belongs.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/paperwork_requests.html
Three big benefits of small talk -- FPM
Making time for a few seconds of friendly conversation at the beginning and end of each patient visit may be more productive than you’d think. Here are three benefits of making small talk with your patients.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/small_talk.html
Teach-back: A simple way to enhance patients' understanding -- FPM
Evidence shows that the teach-back technique benefits patient outcomes, but time constraints, fear that the patient will take offense, and a lack of training keep some physicians from using it. Here’s how to use teach-back quickly and sensitively.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/teach-back.html
Add some fun to your practice -- FPM
Patients often come to your practice feeling anxious, hurt, or afraid. Adding some levity can help put them at ease, and it can help your stressed-out colleagues as well.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/workplace_fun.html
The secret to better communication with patients? Talk less -- FPM
Instead of overloading patients with information they won’t remember, focus on communicating just three things your patients need to know.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/three_things_patients_need_to_know.html
2019 qualifying APM participant data now available -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has updated its online database to help physicians participating in alternative payment models to determine if they have to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System this year.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_qualifying_APM_participant.html
Practices gain a second chance to review 2017 QPP results -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is giving practices additional time to review 2017 Quality Payment Program performance data before making it available for public view.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2017_performance_data_review.html
CMS offers help for identifying 2019 MIPS payment adjustments -- FPM
These codes will help physicians understand which Medicare payments in 2019 are affected by their MIPS scores.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_MIPS_payment_adjustment_codes.html
Medicare finalizes physician fee schedule and Quality Payment Program for 2020 -- FPM
Highlights from the 2020 Medicare physician fee schedule include new codes for chronic care management and principal care management.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_physician_fee_schedule.html
Anthem plans to shorten timely filing limit for claims -- FPM
Anthem is notifying practices that they may have less time to timely file patient claims.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/anthem_timely_filing_window.html
CMS testing diagnostic imaging referrals program in preparation for mandate -- FPM
The Appropriate Use Criteria program will require an extra step before ordering advanced imaging starting in 2021, unless it's repealed.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/AUC_test_phase.html
Compensation is up for family physicians -- FPM
Family physicians saw their annual compensation increase an average of 5 percent over last year, reflecting an industrywide rise in physician pay.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Compensation_is_up_for_family_physicians.html
Ring in the New Year by submitting your 2018 MIPS data -- FPM
CMS has officially opened the data submission period for MIPS eligible clinicians who participated in Year 2 (2018) of the Quality Payment Program.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/How_to_submit_2018_MIPS_data.html
In a small group? Combine with others now to participate in MIPS -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says physicians in solo or small group practices have until Dec. 1 to formally notify Medicare that they are participating in a virtual group. These groups make it easier for small practices to participate fully in MIPS.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/in_a_small_group_combine_with_others_now_for_MIPS.html
Medicare rolls out new cards to another group of states -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has started mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries who live in Wave 5 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_5.html
Medicare payments for lab tests to change in 2018 -- FPM
Does your office perform lab tests for Medicare beneficiaries? The amount of Medicare reimbursement your office receives for those tests is likely changing, and not positively.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_lab_payments_to_change_in_2018.html
Use this database to answer questions about Medicare noncoverage -- FPM
CMS offers the searchable Medicare Coverage Database to help physicians know when Medicare does not cover a specific service, requiring an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage.
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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_coverage_database.html
New MBI to appear on remittance advices -- FPM
As part of the ongoing switch to the new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is including the new MBI number on all Medicare remittances.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/New_Medicare_Remittance_Advices.html
HHS taking applications for Primary Care First alternative payment model -- FPM
The bundled services model will offer performance bonuses of up to 50%, with downside risk of just -10%.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/primary_care_first.html
Properly documenting time in E/M visits -- FPM
Most evaluation and management (E/M) services are selected based on the level of history, exam, and medical decision making documented in the note. But if counseling, coordination of care, or both dominate the visit, CPT instructs physicians to select a code based on time.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/properly_documenting_time_in_E-M_visits.html
CMS: health plans can't force you to take virtual credit cards -- FPM
Physicians who have been confused or concerned about health plans wanting to use virtual credit cards to pay them for patient care are learning they have more say in the matter than they thought.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/virtual_credit_cards_and_eft.html
Is your EHR slowing you down? -- FPM
No one got into medicine for the typing. Here are ways to speed up your use of electronic health record systems.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/ehr_tips.html
Two ways to address difficult emotions in the exam room -- FPM
When patients display negative emotions in the exam room, such as anger or frustration, asking them about their feelings can feel risky. Using these two strategies can help you better address patients’ difficult emotions and protect the healing process.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/difficult_emotions.html
Four tips for better medication adherence -- FPM
These tips can help your patients improve their medication adherence.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medication_adherence.html
One time-saving task your nurse can do at the end of every visit -- FPM
Expanding the role of nurses and medical assistants in your practice can help you be more efficient. Here’s one time-saving task they can start doing at the end of every patient visit.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/end_of_visit_task.html
Two ways to find meaning in medicine -- FPM
Mindful interactions can help you feel more effective and fulfilled. To practice mindfulness during patient visits, focus on cultivating connection and curiosity.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/mindfulness_connection.html
Got a new colleague? Do these things on day one -- FPM
A well-organized orientation process can help maximize physician performance and retention. Here are three ways you can help.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/new_physician_orientation.html
How to handle a rude patient -- FPM
When you encounter patient rudeness or other difficult behaviors, the technique of reframing can help.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/rude_patients.html
The problem with sharing patients -- FPM
When patients seek primary care from multiple sources, it may seem convenient, but it ultimately fragments their health care. Here’s one way to address the issue.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/sharing_patients.html
Seven best practices for doctors on social media -- FPM
Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter can be an effective means for professional and patient engagement, but to avoid pitfalls, make sure you follow these seven best practices.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/social_media_best_practices.html
Five habits for a more vital practice -- FPM
Successful practices have some striking similarities. Consultant Betsy Nicoletti describes five distinguishing characteristics and advice for how to improve your practice’s performance.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/vital_practice.html