Taking Team-Based Care to the Next Level -- FPM
Jun 1, 2022 - The need to delegate tasks to other members of the health care team has never been more urgent. Here’s how to move toward advanced team-based care.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0500/p25.html
Advance Care Planning: Using the Health Care Team to Make Hard Conversations Easier -- FPM
Jun 1, 2022 - Your office staff can help normalize conversations with patients about critical care options.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0500/p10.html
Don't Leave Me! Strategies for Medical Staff Retention -- FPM
Jun 1, 2022 - These strategies for recruiting and retaining staff can help medical practices survive the Great Resignation.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0500/p5.html
Food Is Medicine: Four Lessons From Incorporating Cooking Classes Into Practice -- FPM
Jun 1, 2022 - This unconventional intervention can improve patients’ quality of life.
Family Practice Management : The Last Word
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0500/p40.html
Improving Adult Immunization Rates Within Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities -- FPM
Jun 1, 2022 - Part one of this two-part supplement series highlights QI processes to reduce vaccine disparities, identifies recommended adult vaccines, and discusses their importance among racial and ethnic minority communities.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0500/p21.html
Coding Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for young kids
The AMA has announced codes for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for children older than 6 months through 5 years old.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/moderna-kids-covid.html
Coding clarification: coding for wound care
Selecting the proper code for wound care services requires an understanding of wound care techniques and the code descriptors and guidelines found in CPT.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/wound-care-coding-clarification.html
FPM
FPM is the AAFP’s indexed, peer-reviewed, practice improvement journal, offering practical ideas for improving practice, enhancing the patient experience, and developing a rewarding career.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm.html
COVID-19 vaccine CPT codes just keep coming
The AMA has assigned provisional CPT codes for COVID-19 booster candidates from Pfizer (proposed for use in children ages 5 to 11) and Sanofi-GlaxoSmithKline (proposed for use in persons ages 18 and older).
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/more-covid-19-vaccine-cpt-codes.html
More news on late reporting for the Provider Relief Fund
Physicians who requested late reporting for Period 1 of the Provider Relief Fund will hear from HRSA by May 9 and, if approved, will have until May 23 to submit their report. For Reporting Period 2, late reporting requests can be submitted now through May 13.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/provider-relief-fund-late-reporting.html
Medicare now pays physician practices to provide OTC COVID-19 tests
Patients with Medicare Part B coverage, including those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, can get up to eight tests per calendar month for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare-covid-tests.html
New Survey Examines Effects of SDOH on Doctors, Patients
Results from a survey of more than 1,500 physicians provides new details on the relationship between social determinants of health, patient health, physician practices and physician well-being.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/social-determinants-health-survey.html
Practice Hacks Offer Simple Ways to Resolve Complex Issues
As host of the AAFP’s Family Medicine Practice Hacks, a video series that tackles a wide range of practice issues, Jennifer Bacani McKenney, M.D., FAAFP, shares three lessons from the Practice Hacks videos.
AAFP News : As We See It: Voices From the AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/news/opinion/jbm-practice-hacks-cb.html
Moderna COVID-19 booster: codes for new dose option
There are new codes for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine booster after the FDA amended the shot’s emergency use authorization. The previous booster dose can still be used and reported.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/moderna-covid-booster.html
CMS will reweight MIPS cost category for all clinicians
The agency said the reweighting is in response to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/mips-category-reweight.html
AAFP Performance Improvement CME
View all AAFP Continuing Medical Education on performance Improvement and earn CME credit.
CME : AAFP CME by Topic
https://www.aafp.org/cme/topic/performance-improvement.html
Three habits that will save you time throughout your workday
Family physicians work 59 hours per week on average — 45 hours during clinic and 14 hours after clinic. You don’t have time to waste. These three habits can help you focus on the right things and be more efficient.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/three-habits-save-time.html
More time to report COVID-19 Provider Relief Funds, avoid recoupment
Physicians who received more than $10,000 in PRF money and have not submitted their Period 1 report may submit a late reporting request until 11:59 p.m. ET on April 22.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/prf-reporting-extension.html
How to code patients' second COVID-19 booster shots
Up until now, each dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine came with its own administration code. That’s not the case with the second booster.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid-second-boosters.html
How to help patients who are overweight or obese feel welcome in your practice
Weight bias is pervasive in the U.S., including in health care, where its consequences can be particularly damaging. These tips can help practices avoid it.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/reducing-weight-bias.html
U.S. Department of State
FPM sponsored content from U.S. Department of State.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/sponsored-content/us-department-of-state.html
COVID-19 vaccine administration claims for underinsured patients must be submitted by ...
Claims submitted by the 11:59 p.m. April 5 deadline will be paid subject to their eligibility and the availability of funds.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/underinsured-covid-deadline.html
CMS guidance: health plans cannot force physicians to incur fees for receiving ...
If physicians or other health care providers request electronic claims payment via other (fee-free) means, the health plan must comply.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/cms-eft-guidance.html
New CMS code for 600-mg dose of COVID-19 preventative Evusheld
The code is retroactive to Feb. 24, the date the Food and Drug Administration updated its Evusheld dosing recommendations to account for Omicron subvariants.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_evusheld_codes.html
Remove Burdens from Surprise Billing Rule, AAFP Tells CMS
The AAFP recently gave CMS guidance on fine-tuning a new rule so it protects the physician-patient relationship and prevents unnecessary delays in care.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/simplify-surprise-billing-rule.html
AAFP Board of Directors
Learn more about the AAFP Board of Directors. Members can access minutes and historical information about the AAFP Board.
About AAFP : Meet our Leadership
https://www.aafp.org/about/meet-our-leadership/board.html
CMS extends some MIPS deadlines
Physicians now have an additional month to submit feedback on several potential MIPS cost measures, and groups have more time to apply for an Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances exception.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/new_mips_deadlines.html
New diagnosis codes for COVID-19 immunization status
The CDC and CMS have announced three new diagnosis codes that take effect April 1, including two for COVID-19 immunization status.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_immunization_codes.html
ALSO Provider Course in Denver | AAFP
Prepare the entire maternity care team to better manage obstetric emergencies through standardized care. July 19 in Denver, CO.
CME : All CME Products
https://www.aafp.org/cme/all/also-provider/live-course.html
ALSO Provider Course in Washinton, DC | AAFP
Prepare the entire maternity care team to better manage obstetric emergencies through standardized care. September 20 in Washington, DC.
CME : All CME Products
https://www.aafp.org/cme/all/also-provider/course.html
COVID-19 vaccination guidelines
To keep up with the changing requirements related to COVID-19 vaccines — including boosters, coding, and vaccines for kids — practice staff can use the following tables as a quick reference guide.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid19-vaccine-guidelines.html
Aetna to stop paying for consultation codes
Claims submitted for consultation codes with dates of service on or after March 1 will be mapped to the appropriate office visit E/M code instead.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/aetna_consultation_codes.html
CMS creates codes for newly authorized monoclonal antibody injections
The codes are for administering bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody injection recently authorized for treating mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in some patients.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/monoclonal_antibody_codes.html
Delegates Take On Access, Cost Issues and Physician Payment
The 2021 Congress of Delegates addressed a wide range of practice management and payment-related topics, including value-based payment quality metrics and appropriate payment for employed physicians.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/2021-cod-practice-enhancement.html
We’re Sharpening Our Focus on Behavioral Health Care
It’s time for policy that recognizes — and properly supports — family physicians’ front-line work against a growing mental health crisis.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/trenches-behavioral-health-policy.html
Four workflow tips for combining E/M services with wellness or preventive medicine visits
When you address a medical problem during a CPT preventive medicine visit or Medicare wellness visit, it takes more time, but you can often bill for both.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/combining_visits_tips.html
Major insurer implements new payment policy for APPs, including those working under ...
The policy includes information on how to report services rendered by an advanced practice provider working under physician supervision.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/cigna_app_payments.html
New CPT codes for vaccinating young kids against COVID-19
The AMA has updated the CPT code set with codes for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children older than six months and younger than five years.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/young_kid_vaccine.html
Coding & Documentation - Jan-Feb 2022 -- FPM
Feb 1, 2022 - Problem not addressed until follow-up visit | Incident-to annual wellness visits | Treating second-degree burns | Diagnosis codes for infant with problem ruled out during visit
Family Practice Management : Coding & Documentation
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0100/p32.html
Medicare 101: Navigating the Rules for Coverage and Benefits in Clinical Practice -- FPM
Feb 1, 2022 - From wellness visits to opting out, here are nine commonly asked questions about Medicare.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2022/0100/p21.html
CMS seeking physician feedback on new MIPS cost measures
All stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the draft measures through an online survey until 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 25.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/new_mips_measures.html
Supporting Behavioral Health and Preventing Suicide in Family Medicine
Take steps now to gauge your frame of mind and improve your self-care and well-being before you near a breaking point.
Family Physician : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/current-hot-topics/recent-outbreaks/covid-19/covid-19-physician-wellbeing/supporting-behavioral-health-preventing-suicide-in-family-medicine.html
Permission to Change
The first in a series of three articles where Dr. Mark Greenawald provides practice tips on how to create a thriving practice culture.
Family Physician : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-career/physician-well-being/creating-a-culture-of-well-being/clinical-practice-culture/permission-to-change.html
FPM Past Issues 2022
FPM issues for the year 2022
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2022.html
More information on reporting codes for social determinants of health
The National Center for Health Statistics has clarified who can document and assign ICD-10 codes related to patients’ unmet social needs.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/sdoh_coding_clarified.html
Updated Medicare physician fee schedule conversion factor for 2022 nearly the same as 2021
A law recently passed by Congress wiped out most of a nearly 10% cut in Medicare payments that family physicians would have otherwise incurred in 2022.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/updated_fee_schedule.html
New modifier for audio-only telehealth in 2022
There has been no indication yet of how Medicare or other payers will handle the new modifier.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/audio_telehealth_modifier.html
Major insurers changing telehealth billing requirement in 2022
Beginning Jan. 1, Anthem and UnitedHealthcare will require plans to use new place of service (POS) code 10 for telehealth provided in the patient’s home.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/telehealth_pos_change.html
Report Finds Widespread Health Inequities in United States
A Commonwealth Fund analysis of state health systems found 'pervasive' racial and ethnic inequities throughout the country, even in states that provide high-quality care to their residents. A family physician suggests a way forward.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20211223inequityreport.html
Clinicians not automatically included in MIPS exception must apply by year's end
Applications for extreme and uncontrollable circumstances exceptions for the 2021 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance year are due Dec. 31.
Publications : FPM
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/mips_application_deadline.html