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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/screening_vs_monitoring.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
Finding clinical information quickly at the point of care: four tips and shortcuts -- FPM
How can you efficiently search for clinical information during a patient visit? These tips can help.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/search_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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/fpm_anniversary.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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_MIPS_payment_adjustment_codes.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/chaperoned_exams.html
What does your exam room's appearance say about you? -- FPM
Patients probably spend the most time during a visit in the exam room. Are they receiving a good experience there?
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/exam_room.html
Four screening codes you should be using -- FPM
Use these CPT codes to get reimbursed for performing and reporting recommended screening and assessments.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/screening_codes.html
CMS looks for feedback on new MIPS cost measures -- FPM
CMS is testing several new cost measures that could later be added to the cost category of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System and is looking for help.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/testing_cost_measures.html
Improve preventive care by reducing missed and canceled appointments: four tips -- FPM
Practices can take these steps to improve the rate of successful appointments, which avoids lost revenue and missed opportunities to help patients manage their health.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/missed_appointments.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/bathe_technique.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.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/urgent_care_centers.html
Time to form virtual groups for the MIPS 2019 performance year -- FPM
Follow these instructions to create or join a virtual group to better comply with the 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/virtual_groups_MIPS_2019.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
How to get your staff or colleagues to make a change -- FPM
Even when the status quo is no longer working, it can be difficult to change. These seven strategies can help your group move toward needed change.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/change_management.html
When it’s time to leave: six ways to say goodbye well -- FPM
When you have to say goodbye to a job, organization, or relationship you have invested so much of your life, energy, and self into, such endings need to be handled with care. Here’s how.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/saying_goodbye.html
New MBI to appear on remittance advices -- FPM
As part of the ongoing switch to the new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is including the new MBI number on all Medicare remittances.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/New_Medicare_Remittance_Advices.html
Three keys to motivate care teams -- FPM
Follow these steps to get team members' buy-in o quality improvement initiatives.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/motivating_care_teams.html
Two quick questions to assess patients' readiness for change -- FPM
Do your patients need to make better health decisions? Use these questions to determine how ready they are to change.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/readiness_for_change.html
How to code for immunization refusal -- FPM
Uses these ICD-10 codes to document why a patient refuses an immunization.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/immunization_refusal.html
Three habits of top-performing medical groups -- FPM
A new report highlights the habits of better-performing medical practices and shows that they focus their time, effort, and resources on three key areas.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/habits_of_top_practices.html
Four Evidence-Based Communication Strategies to Enhance Patient Care -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - These communication skills will increase patient engagement and satisfaction without slowing you down.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p13.html
Six Mobile Apps to Get Patients Started Exercising -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Patients have many reasons for not being active. These apps can help push past some of those obstacles.
Family Practice Management : SPPACES: App Reviews
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/oa1.html
The Case for Medical Chaperones -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - It's time for more discussion about how best to incorporate chaperones in primary care.
Family Practice Management : Opinion
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p6.html
10 Ways to Keep Your Quality Improvement Team Motivated -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Assembling a dedicated QI team is only half the challenge. Here's how to build and sustain their momentum.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p23.html
How Service Agreements Can Improve Referrals and Shrink the Medical Neighborhood -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Defining expectations with consultants can make referrals easier for both you and your patients.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p18.html
How to Have a Good Goodbye -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - When it's time to move on because of a new job, retirement, or a life change, these six things can help you say goodbye well.
Family Practice Management : The Last Word
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p40.html
How to Excel at Access -- and Why It Matters -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Patients do better and cost less when they have ready access to primary care, but could your practice be thinking about access all wrong?
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p27.html
Physician-Patient Communication: A Family Medicine Strength -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - But there is always room for improvement.
Family Practice Management : From the Editor
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p4.html
Coding & Documentation - Sep-Oct 2018 -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Initiating visits for chronic care management | Flu vaccine coding | Fish hook removal
Family Practice Management : Coding & Documentation
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p34.html
Practice Pearls - Sep-Oct 2018 -- FPM
Oct 1, 2018 - Add a monitor to improve your productivity | Forget the feedback sandwich | Wipe your computer clean, literally | Track your time to look for efficiencies
Family Practice Management : Practice Pearls
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2018/0900/p35.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.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_6.html
Three ways to help patients choose more effective care -- FPM
Many patient interventions are unnecessary or unhelpful. Here's how to help patients choose more meaningful care.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/choosing_wisely.html
Use of hurricane-related ICD-10 codes is changing -- FPM
The external cause codes for hurricane-related encounters have existed since ICD-10 was adopted. The important change, beginning Oct. 1, is that the National Center for Health Statistics provided clear definition on how to apply the codes correctly.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/hurricane_codes.html
How to opt out of Medicare -- FPM
These steps will help you opt out of Medicare safely.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/Medicare_opt_out.html
Six questions to ask your consultants -- FPM
Addressing these six areas when negotiating a service agreement with consultants can make patient referrals easier for everyone.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/service_agreements.html
Patient Handouts -- FPM Toolbox
Sep 26, 2018 - Download patient tools such as food and exercise diaries, a chronic pain medication agreement, and a new patient welcome letter.
Family Practice Management : FPM Toolbox : Patient Handouts
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/toolBox/viewToolType.htm?toolTypeId=22
New resources to ease ordering and prescribing DME under Medicare -- FPM
The DME Medicare administrative contractors are trying to help physicians and recently created some online resources to ease the ordering or prescribing of durable medical equipment for Medicare patients.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/DME_ordering_resources.html
Four tips for better medication adherence -- FPM
These tips can help your patients improve their medication adherence.
Family Practice Management : Quick Tips : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/medication_adherence.html
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
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
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
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
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
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
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