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
The Illogical Cost of Care: Why Do We Stand for It?
Allison Edwards, M.D., and colleagues banded together to erase more than $1 million of patients' medical debt. But for others, cost and lack of transparency lead to financial crisis. Learn more in this Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180821fp-carecost.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
Physician Mental Health and Suicide: Combating the Stigma in Medicine -- Physician ...
Understand why physicians face barriers to seeking help for mental health issues and the reasons why physicians are at a higher risk of suicide.
Membership : Member Benefits
https://www.aafp.org/membership/benefits/physician-health-first/phf/mental-health-suicide.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
Nutrition in Toddlers - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - The establishment of eating practices that contribute to lifelong nutritional habits and overall health begins in toddlerhood. During this time, children acquire the motor skills needed to feed themselves and develop preferences that affect their food selections. Classifications for ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p227.html
Epistaxis: Outpatient Management - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - Epistaxis is a common emergency encountered by primary care physicians. Up to 60% of the general population experience epistaxis, and 6% seek medical attention for it. More than 90% of cases arise from the anterior nasal circulation, and most treatments can be easily performed in the ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p240.html
Preoperative Assessment in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Approach - American Family ...
Aug 15, 2018 - Surgical outcomes are significantly influenced by patients’ overall health, function, and life expectancy. A comprehensive geriatric preoperative assessment of older adults requires expanding beyond an organ-based or disease-based assessment. At a preoperative visit, it is important to ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p214.html
Bone Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Principles - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - Primary bone cancers include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. They account for less than 1% of diagnosed cancers each year and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis is challenging because of late patient presentation, nonspecific ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p205.html
Point-of-Care Ultrasonography in Family Medicine - Editorials - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - There is mounting evidence that point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) can help decrease the costs of care while improving patient access to care and safety.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p200.html
Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures...
Aug 15, 2018 - The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of the benefits and harms of vitamin D and calcium supplementation, alone or combined, for the primary prevention of fractures in men and premenopausal women.
American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/od2.html
Identifying Patients with Headache Who Are at Risk of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage - ...
Aug 15, 2018 - When is urgent imaging warranted in patients presenting with sudden, severe, nontraumatic headache and normal findings on a neurologic examination?
American Family Physician : Point-of-Care Guides
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p256.html
Interventions to Prevent Falls and Fractures in Community-Dwelling Older Adults - ...
Aug 15, 2018 - Mr. and Mrs. J. present to your office for their annual wellness visits. He is 75 years of age, has well-controlled hypertension, does not smoke, and has a body mass index (BMI) of 26 kg per m2. He recently fell while walking from his home to a neighborhood barbeque.
American Family Physician : Putting Prevention into Practice
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p253.html
Safe Reduction of Primary Cesarean Births: National Partnership for Maternal Safety ...
Aug 15, 2018 - The National Partnership for Maternal Safety has developed a patient safety bundle that outlines important practices that every maternity unit should implement to reduce the number of primary cesarean births and improve care to increase the number of vaginal births.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p258.html
Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Recommendation ...
Aug 15, 2018 - The USPSTF recommends exercise interventions to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults 65 years or older who are at increased risk for falls.
American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/od1.html
Solitary Ulcerated Lesion on the Arm - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - A man presented with nevi on his back and a nontender, ulcerated lesion on his upper arm that was heterogenous in color with irregular borders.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p251.html
Aspirin No Different Than Rivaroxaban for Prevention of VTE After TKA or THA - POEMs - ...
Aug 15, 2018 - Extended prophylaxis with low-dose aspirin is similar in efficacy to rivaroxaban for the prevention of symptomatic VTE following TKA or THA. Aspirin is cheap, widely available, and effective, making it a good alternative to the more costly direct oral anticoagulants.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p248.html
Pulmonary Embolism Rule-Out Criteria Reduces the Need for CT Pulmonary Angiography in ...
Aug 15, 2018 - Use of the PERC clinical decision rule significantly reduces the need for CT pulmonary angiography in adults with an initial low-risk clinical estimate of suspected PE.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p250.html
Delafloxacin (Baxdela) for Skin Infections - STEPS - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - Delafloxacin is a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic available in intravenous and oral formulations for the treatment of serious skin and skin structure infections in patients requiring initial intravenous therapy. It is effective for infections caused by MRSA or P. aeruginosa, in addition ...
American Family Physician : STEPS
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p246.html
Medications Ineffective to Prevent Cognitive Decline or Dementia - POEMs - American ...
Aug 15, 2018 - None of the medications in this systematic review prevented or delayed cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, or dementia.
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p248a.html
Systolic Blood Pressure of At Least 140 mm Hg Best Place to Begin Treatment - POEMs - ...
Aug 15, 2018 - Beginning antihypertensive treatment when the systolic blood pressure is greater than 140 mm Hg delays death and prevents major cardiovascular events in some persons without preexisting heart disease; in patients with existing heart disease, it prevents further events, but does not ...
American Family Physician : POEMs
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p249.html
AAFP News - Aug 15, 2018 - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News.
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p198.html
Giving Your Toddler the Best Nutrition - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Aug 15, 2018 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p227-s1.html
Bone Cancer - American Family Physician
Aug 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Aug 15, 2018 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/p205-s1.html
Proposed Changes to QPP: What You Need to Know
In the second post of a two-part analysis, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines proposed changes to the MACRA Quality Payment Program.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180814itt_feeschedule2.html
Employers Must Play Active Role in Burnout Prevention
For the good of patients, physicians and the bottom line, employers have to start doing more to promote physician wellness and prevent burnout, writes Lalita Abhyankar, M.D., M.H.S., in this Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180814fp-burnoutemployers.html
Physician Culture: Surviving vs. Thriving -- Physician Health First
By improving clinical practice culture, family physicians can improve their own well-being, patient care, and establish a more sustainable business model.
Membership : Member Benefits
https://www.aafp.org/membership/benefits/physician-health-first/phf/surviving-to-thriving.acc.html
Physician Culture: Surviving vs. Thriving -- Physician Health First
By improving clinical practice culture, family physicians can improve their own well-being, patient care, and establish a more sustainable business model.
Membership : Member Benefits
https://www.aafp.org/membership/benefits/physician-health-first/phf/surviving-to-thriving.html
Team-based Care Needs Greater Support
Intern John Heafner, M.D., M.P.H., writes that students and residents understand the value of learning and working in a team-based model. He says payers need to follow suit.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180813lv-teamcare.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
Rural Locums Provide Balance for Urban Doc
Mixing rural locum tenens shifts with her urban direct primary care practice keeps Allison Edwards, M.D., balanced and allows her to work at the full breadth of her training.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180806fp-locums.html
Why Am I a Family Physician? Because FPs Are the 'Real Docs'
Why family medicine? In this Leader Voices Blog post, Leonard Reeves, M.D., makes the case for students to choose the specialty and for policymakers to invest more in it.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180803lv-fmchoice.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
Chronic Nonallergic Rhinitis - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - Chronic nonallergic rhinitis encompasses a group of rhinitis subtypes without allergic or infectious etiologies. Although chronic nonallergic rhinitis represents about one-fourth of rhinitis cases and impacts 20 to 30 million patients in the United States, its pathophysiology is unclear...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p171.html
Rheumatologic Tests: A Primer for Family Physicians - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - Patients with a suspected connective tissue disorder should undergo serologic testing to confirm the diagnosis and, in some cases, to monitor disease activity and predict flares. Patients with suspected systemic lupus erythematosus should be tested for antinuclear antibodies. However, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p164.html
Type 1 Diabetes: Management Strategies - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - There is considerable benefit of tight glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tight blood glucose control dramatically decreases the incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although glycemic goals should be individualized, most nonpregnant adults ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p154.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
Food Insecurity: How You Can Help Your Patients - Editorials - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - Physicians can improve the health of patients who experience food insecurity by following the SEARCH (screen, educate, adjust, recognize, connect, help) mnemonic and by using the resources outlined in this article.
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p143.html
Treatment Duration for Etonogestrel Implant - FPIN's Help Desk Answers - American ...
Aug 1, 2018 - The etonogestrel subdermal implant is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for contraception for up to three years, but it seems to be effective for up to five years.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Help Desk Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/od3.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
Diabetes: ADA Releases Revised Position Statement on Standards of Medical Care - ...
Aug 1, 2018 - Because the evidence regarding medical care for persons with diabetes mellitus continues to evolve, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) annually updates its standards. In addition, starting in 2018, the ADA will also periodically update its guidance online if warranted.
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p187.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
The Role of Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia - ...
Aug 1, 2018 - There is moderate-quality evidence that PPIs are more effective than placebo at relieving overall symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia (number needed to treat [NNT] = 11). Low-quality evidence suggests a small benefit of PPI therapy compared with prokinetics, and little to no ...
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p152.html
Terbinafine for Onychomycosis - Medicine by the Numbers - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - Preliminary evidence indicates that combining terbinafine with an azole appears to be superior to terbinafine alone. Further study is necessary to compare combined treatment with terbinafine plus an azole vs. terbinafine alone.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/od1.html
Can My Primary Care Doctor Treat My Cancer? - Close-ups - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - The primary care physician's role in cancer treatment.
American Family Physician : Close-ups
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p147.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
Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome - FPIN's Help Desk Answers - American Family ...
Aug 1, 2018 - The best test to diagnose ACS is a risk score based on a clinical prediction rule such as the HEART (history, electrocardiography, age, risk factors, troponin level) or TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) risk score, which have positive likelihood ratios (LR+'s) of 13 and 6.8, ...
American Family Physician : FPIN's Help Desk Answers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/od2.html
Interventions for Treatment of Overweight and Obese Children - Cochrane for Clinicians ...
Aug 1, 2018 - Interventions that include combinations of diet, physical activity, and behavior changes may reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), and BMI z-score (equivalent to BMI-for-age percentile) in overweight and obese children six to 11 years of age.
American Family Physician : Cochrane for Clinicians
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p151.html
A Persistent Lip Ulcer - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - A man with a history of HIV, chlamydia, and genital herpes presented with a painful lip ulcer.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p185.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
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
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
High Demand, Low Supply: Health Centers and the Recruitment of Family Physicians - ...
Aug 1, 2018 - Expansion of the Health Centers Program has been associated with persistent workforce challenges for this critical component of the primary care safety net. In a national survey, 69% of health centers had a family physician (FP) vacancy. Those with FP vacancies reported spending an ...
American Family Physician : Graham Center Policy One-Pagers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p146.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
The Many Potential Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes - Letters to the ...
Aug 1, 2018 - Advertisement Aug 1, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor Consider Atlanto-Occipital Joint Dysfunction as a Cause of Secondary Otalgia Am Fam Physician. 2018 Aug 1;98(3):142. Original Article: Ear Pain: Diagnosing Common and Uncommon Causes Issue Date: January 1, 2018 See additional...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p142.html
Screening and Immunizations for Refugees to the United States - Letters to the Editor -...
Aug 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Aug 1, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor Screening and Immunizations for Refugees to the United States Am Fam Physician. 2018 Aug 1;98(3):141-142. Original Article: Primary Care for Refugees: Challenges and Opportunities Issue Date:...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p141.html
The Many Potential Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes - Letters to the ...
Aug 1, 2018 - Advertisement Aug 1, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor The Many Potential Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes Am Fam Physician. 2018 Aug 1;98(3):142. Original Article: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: An Often Silent Disorder with Delayed Diagnosis [Close-ups] Issue Date:...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p142a.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
What You Should Know About Type 1 Diabetes - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Aug 1, 2018 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p154-s1.html
AAFP News - Aug 1, 2018 - American Family Physician
Aug 1, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Aug 1, 2018 Issue AAFP News: AFP Edition Policy and Health Issues in the News Am Fam Physician. 2018 Aug 1;98(3):140. Study Finds Disturbing Trends in Vaccination Exemptions A study recently published in PLOS Medicine shows that...
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0801/p140.html
Early Thoughts on the 2019 Fee Schedule
AAFP staff members are reviewing the 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule. In the latest In the Trenches post, Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin shares some initial reactions based on the Academy's early evaluation of the proposal.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180731itt_feeschedule.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
Game Over? WHO Decision on Gaming Disorder Raises Questions
The World Health Organization recently recognized gaming disorder as being a mental health condition. In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, Luis Garcia, M.D., looks at what that could mean for family physicians and patients.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180727fp-gaming.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
Opportunities, Not Incentives, Drive PCPs to Do Better
In his final Fresh Perspectives blog post, Ryan Neuhofel, D.O., M.P.H., writes that policymakers should abandon the carrot-and-stick approach to payment schemes and give physicians time to provide better care.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180720fp-opportunity.html
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
Drawings From Detention: Assisting Asylum Seekers
Anita Ravi, M.D., M.P.H., M.S.H.P., recently visited the nation's largest family detention center to help asylum seekers. She shares her experience in words and drawings in the Fresh Perspectives blog.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180717fp-asylum.html
It's Still the Prices, Stupid
High drug prices are driving dramatic increases in health care costs. In the latest In the Trenches blog post, Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin looks at how HHS and the AAFP are responding.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180717itt_drugs.html
Xanax Is Not the Answer to Xenophobia
Fear and anxiety are rampant in our society lately. Leonard Reeves, M.D., writes in this Leader Voices Blog post that people need to recognize the true motivation behind their fears and think rationally.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180716lv-fear.html
Delivering Bad or Life-Altering News - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - Delivering serious, bad, or life-altering news to a patient is one of the most difficult tasks physicians encounter. Broadly defined as information that may alter a patient’s view of his or her future, bad news may include information related to a chronic disease (e.g., diabetes ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p99.html
Stimulant and Designer Drug Use: Primary Care Management - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - Approximately 10% of the U.S. population 12 years and older reported using illicit substances in 2015. This article reviews the clinical effects and treatment of persons who use cocaine, methamphetamines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p85.html
Top POEMs of 2017 Consistent with the Principles of the Choosing Wisely Campaign - ...
Jul 15, 2018 - This article discusses the POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters) of 2017 judged to be most consistent with the principles of the Choosing Wisely campaign. A POEM is a synopsis of a research study that reports patient-oriented outcomes, such as improvement in symptoms, quality ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p93.html
Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution 5% (Xiidra) for Dry Eye Disease - STEPS - American ...
Jul 15, 2018 - Studies have shown that lifitegrast will reduce the symptoms of dry eye disease in some patients, although the benefit is borderline clinically significant. It is much more expensive than over-the-counter ointments, artificial tears, and lubricant eye drops.
American Family Physician : STEPS
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p119.html
Lower Extremity Erythema - Photo Quiz - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - A man who lived a hermit lifestyle presented with an open eschar over the left medial malleolus.
American Family Physician : Photo Quiz
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p107.html
Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain - FPIN's Clinical Inquiries - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - There is some evidence that early physical therapy may decrease posttreatment health care utilization for low back pain.
American Family Physician : FPIN's Clinical Inquiries
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p115.html
Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination and Screening: Best Practices from the ACP and CDC - ...
Jul 15, 2018 - The American College of Physicians and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the consensus among these recommendations, with recent evidence, to develop a best practice advice statement for vaccination, screening, care, and treatment of patients at risk of or who ...
American Family Physician : Practice Guidelines
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p121.html
Counseling Parents and Adolescents About Marijuana - Editorials - American Family ...
Jul 15, 2018 - Physicians are increasingly likely to be asked by adolescents or their parents whether recreational marijuana use is safe. Although many adults view marijuana as benign, there are major concerns about its use in adolescents because all illicit drug use, including marijuana, may have ...
American Family Physician : Editorials
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p80.html
Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer - Putting Prevention into Practice - ...
Jul 15, 2018 - A 25-year-old Irish American woman presents for a wellness visit for herself and her two young children, a two-year-old boy and a seven-month-old girl. All three have fair skin, red hair, and freckles. She reports that she is looking forward to an upcoming family vacation to the ...
American Family Physician : Putting Prevention into Practice
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p105.html
Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer: Recommendation Statement - U.S. ...
Jul 15, 2018 - The USPSTF recommends counseling young adults, adolescents, children, and parents of young children about minimizing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for persons aged 6 months to 24 years with fair skin types to reduce their risk of skin cancer.
American Family Physician : U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/od1.html
The Risk of Cardiovascular Disease, Fracture, Dementia, and Cancer After Long-Term ...
Jul 15, 2018 - Long-term hormone therapy decreased the risk of all fractures, including hip and vertebral fractures. However, the risks far outweighed the benefits of this intervention.
American Family Physician : Medicine by the Numbers
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p117.html
HEART Score for Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Chest Pain - Letters to ...
Jul 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2018 Issue Letters to the Editor HEART Score for Predicting Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Chest Pain Am Fam Physician. 2018 Jul 15;98(2):72-75. Original Article: Acute Coronary Syndrome: Diagnostic Evaluation Issue Date:...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p72.html
AAFP News - Jul 15, 2018 - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News.
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p78.html
Club Drugs: What You Should Know - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2018 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p85-s1.html
Club Drugs: What You Should Know - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2018 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p85-s2.html
Marijuana: Talking Points for Parents and Teens - American Family Physician
Jul 15, 2018 - Advertisement << Previous article Next article >> Jul 15, 2018 Issue Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of...
American Family Physician : Patient Handout
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0715/p80-s1.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