Search Results for * -- AAFP

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

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

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

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

What does "24/7 access" to care really mean? -- FPM

Providing chronic care management services comes with numerous requirements, including 24/7 access to care. But the definition of that access is confusing.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/access.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

Four ways to target blood pressure control -- FPM

Four steps to get your patients on the path to better blood pressure.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/blood_pressure_control.html

A simple communication technique to increase patient satisfaction and empowerment -- FPM

Quickly obtaining a patient's psychosocial information can improve the physician's connection with the patient. The BATHE technique can help.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/bathe_technique.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.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/burnout_employed_physicians.html

Considering direct primary care? Here are five tips to get started -- FPM

Interest in DPC was growing even before the pandemic took a chunk out of fee-for-service revenues. If you’re among those interested in the model, here are five tips for making the switch.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/dpc_online_resources.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

Chaperoned exams: How to get the conversation started -- FPM

If your practice doesn’t have clear policies and procedures regarding chaperoned exams, or if they aren’t consistently followed, it may be time to revisit this important subject.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/chaperoned_exams.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.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/employee_mistakes.html

Five reasons you can’t get things done in your organization -- FPM

Author Peter Senge offers several laws that govern organizational behavior. Five of them are particularly apropos to physicians who are trying to build something new within their organizations but facing resistance.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/five_laws_of_organizations.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

The trait physicians need during times of uncertainty -- FPM

The best response in stressful times isn’t to ramp up urgency but to practice patience.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/essential_physician_trait.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.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/immunization_administration_codes.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.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/good_samaritan.html

Six ways to make your practice more efficient and your patients more satisfied -- FPM

Tips for making sure patient phone calls are returned, appointment scheduling is user-friendly, insurance changes have been logged, and more.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/improving_practice_efficiency.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

Setting up an outdoor clinic for COVID-19: key steps -- FPM

If you haven’t treated patients with suspected COVID-19 in your parking lot yet, it may only be a matter of time. Four steps can help you get started.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/outdoor_clinic.html

Motivational interviewing: four steps to get started -- FPM

Motivational interviewing is a brief counseling technique that can be effective at helping patients overcome reluctance and make behavioral changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. The OARS acronym highlights four essential aspects.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/motivational_interviewing.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 simple way to build trust with young patients -- FPM

Doing this one thing during a visit can get pediatric appointments off to a good start by showing kids you care about them and respect them.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/pediatric_patient_trust.html

Safely treat respiratory illness during flu season -- FPM

Outdoor patient care has become less feasible in many parts of the country as cold weather sets in, but there are several ways to increase safety while providing respiratory care within clinic buildings.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/safe_respiratory_patients.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

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

Six documentation tasks your team could be doing -- FPM

Team documentation has been shown to improve patient outcomes and physician satisfaction. Here are six documentation tasks you can delegate.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/team_documentation.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

A brief method for triaging patients during a pandemic -- FPM

When the leaders of Eglin Family Medicine Residency Clinic in Florida opened an outdoor clinic in their parking lot in response to COVID-19, they established a triage process for deciding which patients would be sent there, as opposed to being seen virtually or inside the clinic.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/triaging_pandemic_patients.html

Tips for talking to reluctant patients about vaccines -- FPM

You can’t convince every patient of the value of vaccines, so focus your efforts and follow these tips.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/vaccine_reluctancy.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

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

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.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_Primary_Care_Initiative.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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/properly_documenting_time_in_E-M_visits.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

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

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

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

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

Four bad habits you need to break when it comes to email -- FPM

To reduce the intrusion of email into your daily work life, stop doing these four things.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/email_bad_habits.html

Six EHR documentation tips to save you time -- FPM

To reduce your work after clinic, consider ways to make the documentation process more efficient so that you can complete most (if not all) of this work during the visit. Here are six tips to get started.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/ehr_documentation_tips.html

FPM at 25: Our favorite articles and covers from the last 25 years -- FPM

For the last 25 years, FPM has published practical, authoritative, peer-reviewed articles devoted to better practice, healthier patients, and a rewarding career. To mark this milestone, we’ve picked 25 of our favorite articles from the archives.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/fpm_anniversary.html

Five steps to diffusing difficult emotions in the exam room -- FPM

Ignoring a patient’s negative emotions, such as rudeness, defensiveness, or anger, can hinder the healing process and complicate the doctor-patient relationship.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/emotions_in_the_exam_room.html

Five ways to fight system-induced distress before it causes burnout -- FPM

A multilevel approach to resisting a health care system that relies on overworking physicians to make up for its own inefficiencies.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/fight_system_distress.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

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

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

One simple question can uncover medication nonadherence -- FPM

Finding instances of medication nonadherence means asking patients more than just if they took their medicine.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medication_nonadherence.html

Five changes that will affect physician payment and productivity in 2020 and beyond -- FPM

There are new codes for online digital E/M, blood pressure monitoring and other common services.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medicare_update_2020.html

When a newborn is not a new patient -- FPM

In most cases a newborn is considered a new patient under CPT rules for purposes of coding and documenting an office visit. There’s one exception, however.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/newborn_new_patient.html

Patients will soon have expanded rights to read your clinical notes: how to make them ...

Next year, the 21st Century Cures Act goes into effect, giving patients the right to immediate electronic access to their health records. Here are four tips for writing patient-friendly notes in an open notes world.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/open_notes.html

Need more time? Train a nurse closer to wrap up patient visits -- FPM

Training a nurse to finish patient visits can make your practice more efficient and improve patient outcomes.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/nurse_closer_steps.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

One way to increase physician autonomy and job satisfaction -- FPM

Physician autonomy is crucial to fostering job satisfaction and a culture of continuous quality improvement and creative problem solving. Unfortunately, physician autonomy is shrinking in many health care organizations. Here's one solution.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/physician_autonomy.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

Screening for childhood trauma history -- FPM

Several screening tools can help you identify patients whose health may be affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/screen_for_aces.html

A tool for calculating the right-sized patient panel -- FPM

Here's a five-step method for right-sizing your patient panel.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/right_sized_patient_panel.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

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

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

Five ways to partner with urgent care centers -- FPM

As more patients turn to urgent care, physicians will need to find ways to make their relationship with urgent care centers more productive. Here's how.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/urgent_care_centers.html

What a waiting room liaison can do for your office -- FPM

An existing staff member might be able to take on these duties to keep your waiting room clean and running smoothly.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/waiting_room_liaison.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

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

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 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

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

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 looks to contract directly with physicians and suppliers -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is investigating a new payment model that would directly contract with Medicare providers and suppliers.

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https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_looks_to_contract_directly_with_physicians.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

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.

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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

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

How to respond if a teen patient’s parent wants access to records -- FPM

If the parent of an adolescent patient contacts you or your staff wanting to know why the teen visited your practice, the teen patient’s information must be kept private if any of these situations apply.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/adolescent_patient_privacy.html

Three steps to coding for Medicare wellness visits -- FPM

The Medicare annual wellness visit and the initial preventive physical examination provide a number of benefits to patients and physicians. Follow these suggestions to get properly reimbursed.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/coding_wellness_visits.html

Dealing with disruptive minor patients -- FPM

Being direct with the patient and family so they understand the decision can help bring closure and discourage further bad behavior and retaliation on social media websites.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/disruptive_minor_patients.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

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

Six exercise apps to get your patients moving -- FPM

To help your patients get more exercise, recommend these six highly rated mobile apps.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/exercise_apps.html

The best way to handle medical misinformation -- FPM

The key? Don’t get defensive or drawn into a debate with your patients. Instead, briefly state the facts and then move on with the rest of the visit.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medical_misinformation.html

Seven essential skills for leading up -- FPM

Leading up is essential to garnering the resources and support physicians need to do their jobs well. Seven skills can help.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/leading_up.html

Make your EHR more efficient -- FPM

In your frustration with your electronic health record system, don’t overlook ways to make it more efficient. These eight tips can help.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/improving_EHR_usability.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.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medication_diversion.html

Three qualities of a patient satisfaction survey that's helpful, not harmful -- FPM

Patient satisfaction surveys have become commonplace, but if they aren’t conducted properly, they can do more harm than good. Look for these three qualities in your next survey.

Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/patient_satisfaction_survey.html