SPOTLIGHT -
Richard Payerchin is editor of Medical Economics.
Helping patients navigate telehealth video visits pays off
Attendance and reimbursement increase when physicians and patients connect in online appointments.
Health care computers remain targets for emerging hacker groups
HHS’ cybersecurity wing publishes notices on three ransomware threats.
Of positivity, negativity, and f-bombs: EHR language as an indicator of physician burnout
Study finds inbasket messages may offer more clues about improving patient experience than doctors’ feelings on the job.
Physician payment in 2023: The situation is unsustainable
An almost 10% cut in Medicare reimbursement is untenable.
Medical groups make push for primary care in Washington
Group of six has six big issues to tackle by end of the year, AAFP president says.
CMS proposes rule change to speed up prior authorization process
If implemented, physicians and hospitals could save an estimated $15 billion over 10 years.
AI improves physician readiness for patients while cutting time spent on charts
AAFP, developer apply artificial intelligence to primary care.
Physician payment in 2023: Prior auths and telehealth
What to watch in Washington as 2022 draws to a close.
Feds seek $4 billion in health care fraud for the year
HHS Office of Inspector General outlines progress as telehealth remains a target enforcement area.
How inflation affects patient health: 7 consequences
Physicians report how patients cope when prices go up around the world.
U.S. health care will suffer if lawmakers don’t act by end of 2022
Physician groups call for action in letter to leaders as clock ticks toward end of 117th Congress.
Physician payment in 2023: Will a lame duck Congress take action?
Time is running out this year for Congress to act on many, many issues.
Health care adds jobs for November
National unemployment rate hovers at 3.5% to 3.7% since March, according to latest government figures.
Physician payment in 2023: Alternative payment models
The 5% alternative payment models need extension.
Inflation hurting patient health around the globe
When cost of living goes up, more people must choose among health care, heat, food, or other necessities.
HHS proposes rule changes for records of substance use disorder patients
Privacy rules to improve coordination of care, avoid discrimination in treatment.
DASH diet reduces heart attack risk in short and long term
Study finds women, Black adults show greatest benefit from healthy eating plan.
Physician payment in 2023: The Medicare PFS conversion factor
A 4.47% pay cut on the horizon?
Burnout as a global problem for primary care physicians
Commonwealth Fund posts results of international survey of 10 developed countries.
Hospitals on notice about adding measures to curb growing problems of workplace violence
CMS publishes memo to reinforce safety standards for physicians, support staff, and patients.
Physician payment in 2023: An introduction to Medicare PFS
How much will Medicare pay to physicians?
Integrated care could improve outcomes for patients while reducing burnout for physicians
Collaboration can add to professional fulfillment in family medicine, mental health.
U.S. health care a ‘very mixed picture’ with challenges for primary care, staffing
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality publishes state of the industry report.
22 states contest COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers
Attorneys general file petition to withdraw requirement.
Top eight states with greatest annual health spending per person
Study examines per capita spending trends up to 2019.
Nurse practitioner fined $19K for advertising herself as ‘doctor’
District attorney cites California ethics code for businesses in civil case.
Will health care worker shortages get worse?
Could a better economy lead to more retirements?
Flu activity ‘elevated’ across more than half the U.S., according to CDC
Tell your patients to get their annual flu vaccines for best protection against illness.
How staff levels affect office burnout
Maximize licensure use at every level to avoid burnout.
Morale deteriorates in medical profession as doctors deal with staffing challenges, administrative burdens
‘Devastating effects’ showing up in primary care, according to latest findings by The Physicians Foundation.