Practice Management

Physician alignment: ACO dealbreaker?

Lack of capital, integrated systems, and evidence-based treatment protocol data all play into the difficulty of creating an accountable care organization (ACO). The biggest challenge, however, is a personnel issue, and how physicians and hospitals will work together to resolve it. » More

For further information about the impact of accountable care organizations, see these articles from the ACO Special Report in the June 25, 2011 edition of Medical Economics:
• Under construction, under fire: Physicians urge CMS to change proposed ACO model
• ACOs: The right medicine for our ailing health system?
• Setting up a practical ACO

Liability & Risk Management

Your EHR is watching; protect yourself against lawsuits

Here's an electronic health record (EHR) "benefit," you may not have considered: Opposing lawyers can use the system's tracking mechanism, called the audit trail, to strengthen their case against you in a malpractice case. Learn how to protect yourself. » More

Health Law & Policy

Your prescribing information can be sold to drug companies

The U.S. Supreme Court said that a Vermont law prohibiting sale of prescription data to drug companies interfered with the pharmaceutical industry's First Amendment right to market its products. A recent survey suggests that the decision will not come as good news to many physicians who feel their privacy is being invaded. » More

Practice Finance

Health plans process almost 20% of claims incorrectly

If it seems harder than ever to get proper payment, it's not just your imagination. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), health plans make errors in nearly 1 out of 5 claims. Electronic data interchange may help a little. » More

Technology

Tablet use may soon top 50% among physicians

When it comes to technology, an apple a day does not keep the doctor away. In fact, physicians prefer Apples—or, at least the Apple platforms that run the iPad and iPhone. Nearly 30% of physicians use an iPad—six times more than general U.S. consumers—and more than 60% of physicians who use smartphones have an iPhone. » More

Texas Medical Association: Push back e-prescribing deadline

With the June 30 deadline fast approaching, the nation's largest state medical association urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to give physicians more time to begin e-prescribing. » More

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