Transitional care management: four common questions -- FPM
The rules for coding and billing transitional care management (TCM) services can be confusing. Here are four common questions.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/transitional_care.html
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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/immunization_administration_codes.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/documenting_uncertain_diagnoses.html
The key to avoiding portal overload -- FPM
Implementing patient portals, particularly managing the higher volumes of patient messages and data they produce, can quickly overwhelm already overloaded physicians.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/portal_overload.html
CMS updates MIPS final scores, extends review deadline -- FPM
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services has released updated final scores for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance period.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_updates_MIPS_final_scores.html
How to respond when an employee makes a mistake -- FPM
The challenge of responding to employee mistakes is finding a way that not only holds people accountable for their actions but also provides a supportive environment in which they can learn.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/employee_mistakes.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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/requesting_MIPS_targeted_review.html
Five tips to build resilience -- FPM
Building resilience can help you quickly recover from the pressures that cause burnout.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/cultivating_resilience.html
Coding for wound care: Is your EHR leading you astray? -- FPM
Remember these tips for properly coding three common types of wounds.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coding_wound_care.html
Referral Management -- FPM Toolbox
Aug 27, 2018 - Download tools to help you manage patient referrals.
Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Referral Management
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=26
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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/reducing_errors.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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_5.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
99213 vs. 99214: Three tips for spotting the difference -- FPM
One of the most confounding aspects of evaluation and management (E/M) coding is the distinction between a 99213 and a 99214 established patient office visit. The following tips can help you recognize when a visit meets the requirements of a 99214, as opposed to a 99213.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/coding_99214.html
Six keys to coding 99211 visits -- FPM
Using CPT code 99211 can boost your practice’s revenue and improve documentation. Here's how to determine if a service qualifies.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/coding_99211.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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/malignant_neoplasms.html
Four mobile apps for pain management -- FPM
Mobile apps can help patients better understand the causes of their pain, which can help them better cope with their conditions, and provide you with data you need to recommend or alter treatment
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/mobile_apps_for_pain.html
How does your benefits package stack up? -- FPM
Aspects other than salary and bonuses must be reviewed to ensure a physician's employment contract is fair and competitive.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/employed_physician_benefits.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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/MAQI_demonstration.html
Three steps to encourage flu vaccinations -- FPM
Patients have numerous reasons for not wanting an influenza vaccination. To help them overcome their reluctance, Colleen Fogarty, MD, uses the ask-tell-ask technique.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/reluctant_patients_flu_shot.html
Leaving a practice? This checklist will help you prepare -- FPM
If you’re considering a change in practice, following this 10-step checklist can help you prepare and make the change less stressful.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/departing_physician.html
10 characteristics of better quality measures -- FPM
To advocate for care measures that better measure physician quality, make sure they meet these criteria.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/better_quality_measures.html
A four-step approach to clinical decision making -- FPM
Although there is no one correct method for clinical decision making, it can be helpful to think about your approach so you can refine it as needed and improve patient care.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/decision_making.html
Value-based care: Where to begin -- FPM
To get started in value-based care, focus your efforts where they’ll have the most impact - on your high-need patients who have critical gaps in care, never come in, or drive up costs.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/value_based_care.html
99213 or 99214? Three Tips for Navigating the Coding Conundrum -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Here’s how to quickly identify whether you’re on the path to a 99214 versus a 99213.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p5.html
Teach-Back: A Simple Technique to Enhance Patients’ Understanding -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Half of patients leave their visit without understanding what their physician told them, but this simple technique can help.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p20.html
Coding & Documentation - Jul-Aug 2018 -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Medicare billing for well-woman exams | Pediatric hearing screening | Road rash treatment | Peak flow testing | Student documentation
Family Practice Management : Coding & Documentation
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p31.html
Four Mobile Apps for Pain Management -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - These apps can help you and your patients more effectively manage their acute and chronic pain.
Family Practice Management : SPPACES: App Reviews
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/oa1.html
Patient Inducements: The New Dos and Don'ts -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - The limits on giving free goods and services to Medicare and Medicaid patients are complex. Here’s how to avoid regulatory trouble.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p16.html
Quality Measures: How to Get Them Right -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Pay-for-performance programs have produced disappointing results. Fewer and more appropriate, evidence-based quality measures could help.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p23.html
Five Ways to Cultivate Resilience -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Resilience is a powerful weapon against burnout.
Family Practice Management : The Last Word
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p38.html
How to Create a Culture of Well-Being in Your Practice -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Every organization has a culture, either by default or by design. Why not cultivate one that helps people thrive?
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p11.html
Practice Pearls - Jul-Aug 2018 -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Use a video game mouse to beat your EHR | Build a better meeting | Plan your huddles | Improve your EHR speed
Family Practice Management : Practice Pearls
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p32.html
Quality Measurement: A Long Way to Go -- FPM
Aug 1, 2018 - Physician quality shouldn't be subjective. But the current measurement methods need more work.
Family Practice Management : From the Editor
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0700/p4.html
Six ways to get the practice culture you’ve always wanted -- FPM
A practice’s culture develops in one of two ways: by design or by default. Here's how to create a culture in which people can thrive.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/healthy_culture.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
Medicare card rollout update -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has started mailing new Medicare cards to recipients living in states that represent the Wave 4 of the new card rollout that began this spring.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_card_update.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/hypertension_heart_failure.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/teach-back.html
Office Policy Samples -- FPM Toolbox
Jul 25, 2018 - Download sample office policies related to patient payment, patient dismissal, and more.
Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Office Policy Samples
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=21
How to respond to mid-air medical emergencies -- FPM
There are laws designed to encourage physicians to help if a medical emergency develops on a commercial flight.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/good_samaritan.html
A simple question for better scheduling -- FPM
This practice found a single question helped save staff and patients time when scheduling a same-day appointment.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/question_better_scheduling.html
Evaluation and management (E/M) coding and documentation burden could lighten in 2019 ...
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed rule for the Physician Fee Schedule for 2019 contains significant revisions to the coding, documentation, and payment of office visit evaluation and management services.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/em_coding_proposed_changes.html
CMS proposes simpler Medicare documentation guidelines in 2019 fee schedule -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is looking to use its annual update of the Medicare physician fee schedule to address long-simmering complaints with how the program requires physicians and other clinicians to document evaluation and management visits.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_proposed_fee_schedule.html
Four ways to manage stress and prevent burnout as an employed physician -- FPM
Employed physicians face unique stresses in practice as they often lack autonomy and influence. Here are four ways to protect your well-being.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/burnout_employed_physicians.html
Three tips to optimize care for refugee patients -- FPM
Family physicians are well positioned to care for refugee patients. Three tips can help.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/refugee_care.html
QPP feedback reports now available -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released feedback reports telling eligible physicians and practice groups how they did during the first full year of complying with the Quality Payment Program.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/QPP_feedback_reports.html
QPP websites updated to streamline eligibility checks, review measures -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has updated its Quality Payment Program participation tool and QPP website to make it easier to check eligibility and review quality measure data.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/QPP_website_updated_eligibility.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/negative_feedback.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