Health Law & Policy

Double whammy or worse: Medicare providers targeted for more budget cuts

Medicare payments to providers already have been significantly reduced because of health reform and now face deficit-reduction budget cuts, according to a new report. Government analysts have warned that payments could drop so low that many physicians may opt out of the program entirely. How low can they go? » More

ACP: Repeal SGR now before cost increases even more

The American College of Physicians (ACP) is asking the congressional “supercommittee” to repeal the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. The ACP says the time is now, because the cost of SGR repeal will double from $300 million to $600 million in 5 years. Read more to learn about some cutting-edge ideas on physician incentives and cost-effective care proposed by the internal medicine group. » More

Practice Payment

Disproportionate specialist payments drive higher U.S. medical costs

Primary care physicians in the United States are paid similarly to counterparts in other countries. The large chasm between their pay and what specialists earn, however, goes a long way toward explaining why overall spending on physician services is so much higher in the United States. The size of that gap might surprise you. » More

Doctors’ Writing Contest

Share your knowledge and expertise, and you could win $2,000!

Do you have a story to tell your fellow physicians? Or do you have proven advice or suggestions on how to thrive in this new era of healthcare? If so, enter your article in our Doctors’ Writing Contest for a shot at the grand prize, which includes $2,000, a crystal award, and $500 to donate to the healthcare charity of your choice.

The runner-up and winners of the Best Practice Solution and New Doctor Award categories each will receive $1,000 and a crystal award. Honorable mentions also will be awarded!

For more details and the official rules, visit www.MedicalEconomics.com/contest. The deadline for submissions is November 1.

Health Law & Policy

CIGNA launches accountable care programs minimizing risk to PCPs

CIGNA’s recently launched initiative in Memphis, Tennessee, offers some variations on accountable care certain to increase the appeal to primary care practices—such as full payment as usual plus incentives for reaching quality and cost targets, all without sharing risk. How does that work? Read more to find out how RNs, paid by the insurer, stay in touch with “invisible” patients to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks. » More

Technology

Patient access to test results could reduce office workload

Under a proposed government rule change, your patients could have direct access to their laboratory test results, potentially reducing the workload of office staff now involved in obtaining the reports and then making calls to communicate that information. Find out how else the rule change could affect your office operations. » More

Liability & Malpractice

No anonymous complaints allowed against Texas physicians

Physicians didn’t have the right to face their accusers until recent changes were made to Texas Medical Board policies. A new law going into effect this fall limits that board’s powers and offers additional protections to physicians in Texas, including prohibiting anonymous complaints. The new law could be a model for other states where physicians have maintained that medical boards wield too much power. » More

Tools

Digital Edition