Technology

8 steps to prepare for transition to ICD-10

Has your practice begun planning for the ICD-10 transition? If the answer is “no,” you aren’t alone, but you should be aware of the penalty for failing to meet the deadline next October: Your payments will not be processed. You still have time to comply, and here are eight steps to get you started. » More

Practice Finance

Practices’ revenues increase faster than costs, despite weak economy

It may not feel like good economic times for many primary care practices, but by at least one measure, they are doing OK. Revenues for independent practices increased nearly twice as fast as expenses, according to a recent survey. See how your practice’s revenues compare with those of your peers. » More

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Resource Center: Oral Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation afflicts more than 2.3 million persons in the United States and is expected to increase 2.5-fold by 2050. To find risk stratifying tools and articles on emerging oral anticoagulant therapies, click here.

Health Law & Policy

Mergers and acquisitions in healthcare: A two-edged sword

A congressional subcommittee held a hearing recently on whether consolidation has the potential to make healthcare delivery in the United States more or less expensive. Although such consolidation may facilitate greater efficiencies and deliver higher-quality services by eliminating duplication and excess capacity, many experts are concerned that some consolidations are being driven primarily by a desire to increase reimbursements. Find out how some of the issues raised could directly affect the practice of primary care. » 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.

Liability & Risk Management

Malpractice damage payments limited in two California court rulings

California courts have ruled favorably for physicians and their interests in two recent cases that dealt with medical malpractice issues of national interest. One case dealt with whether plaintiffs can recover more than damages actually paid or incurred in an injury, and the other upheld the state’s cap on noneconomic damages. Some of the issues raised by the rulings are likely to be revisited by other state courts soon. » More

Practice Management

Number of physician assistants doubles in past decade

The number of physician assistants (PAs) in the United States doubled in the past decade, despite the recent economic downtown. Find out what the increase in both numbers and salaries means for primary care physicians--the largest employers of PAs. » More

Patient care may be suffering from too much, too soon

When it comes to medical care, patients aren’t getting too little, too late, but too much, too soon, according to many primary care physicians (PCPs). A recent survey of PCPs found that, often, many believe they provide more care than is really needed, and that malpractice reform, realignment of financial incentives, and having more time with patients could relieve some of that pressure. Find out one commentator’s suggestions to turn around the trend of overly aggressive care. » More

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