Practice Management News

The implementation of the ACA reduced out-of-pocket spending for medical care, especially for low-income individuals; however, premium spending remained high for these individuals, according to findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Due to concerns about physician health, the ACP recently launched an initiative to cultivate a culture of wellness, enhance practice efficiency, reduce administrative burdens and improve physician well-being and professional satisfaction, according to a press release.

In 2016, more than 63,000 people overdosed and died; opioids caused approximately 66% of those deaths, according to research from the CDC.

by Leah Christl, PhD

More than 100 medical societies, including the American College of Rheumatology, have urged Congress to reverse a recent CMS policy that applies Merit-based Incentive Payment System adjustments to Medicare Part B payments, warning that it will create massive financial uncertainty for specialty providers and endanger patient access.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed rule to increase opportunities for employment-based health insurance to small businesses seems to do more harm than good, experts and medical societies told Healio Family Medicine.

Health care leaders, including physicians, pharmacists, medical groups, hospitals and health insurance providers, are collaborating to put forth a new industry-wide effort to simplify prior authorization processes and ensure safe, timely and affordable care, while decreasing administrative burdens, according to a press release issued by the AMA.

Researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia have developed a gas-sensing capsule that, when swallowed, can electronically report important data about the human gastrointestinal system by detecting hydrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen in real-time.

The number of opioid prescriptions originating from EDs are small and have been declining since 1996, according to research published in Annals of Emergency Medicine.

ACP emphasized its strong opposition to restricting access to health care coverage through Medicaid based on employment status.