Opinion

With Medicare’s growing focus on value-based payments, the debate is taking on new urgency

Quality metrics have a growing influence on physician compensation. From my decade of experience in an independent practice association and medical group quality initiatives, I’ll share my top tips on hitting targets.

While physicians often complain of the burden that tracking and meeting quality metrics places on them, to commercial insurance companies they are an important tool for helping doctors improve the care they provide patients.

Be sure you have taken all appropriate steps to obtain patient acknowledgementof your privacy policies.

The potentially wide-ranging impact of site-neutral reimbursements on the practice landscape

Michael Barron, MD, decided it made more sense to quit than fight. After months of wrangling with UnitedHealthcare over inaccurate payments, the University City, Missouri, family physician did not renew his contract with the insurance company last year.

Are the advance care planning codes in place now in 2016?

Despite concerns, primary care doctors see a role for clinics as partners in improving communication and care coordination.

The federal government announced Tuesday proposed rules that would give its Office of the National Coordinator for Healthcare Technology (ONC) greater oversight to ensure that certified electronic health records (EHR) can actually fulfill the functions physicians need them to, especially when it comes to interoperability.

We are in the midst of a common sense revolution in the house of medicine.

Electronic health records could be an untapped resource for helping to identify patients with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Donald Trump finally released his healthcare plan Wednesday that details his Presidential campaign promises, including how he would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The effects of blood pressure treatment in people with type 2 diabetes may depend on the blood pressure level prior to treatment.

The federal government may finally be getting serious about promoting interoperability in health records.

Having adequate life insurance is a critical component of managing risk and providing financial security for you and your family.

I am frustrated with the unprecedented amount of money being spent on healthcare in the United States, particularly since, compared to most other nations, we do not have better results from this “would-be investment.”

The 2016 Republican presidential candidates have finally given voters a better glimpse of how they would handle healthcare if elected.

While patient portals can improve efficiency in some practices, they bring with them a host of challenges

To keep an eye on patient collections and spot revenue optimizing opportunities, practices should monitor several key measures.

Phase two of audits for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are coming this year as the Office of Civil Rights looks to crack down on violations,

Through their tears of grief and joy at the approaching death of MU, doctors and health system administrators wonder, “What’s next?”

EHRs, physician shortages, patient records are the latest topics of discussion in this issue's Your Voice.

Robert A. Berenson, MD, of the Urban Institute says CMS’value-based performance measures are ‘PQRS on steroids’

Just when physicians thought Meaningful Use would never end, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in January that the current program would go away this year. But it’s already clear that while Meaningful Use will change, it’s far from dead.

Renee Dowling, a billing and coding consultant answers your burning questions in this Q&A.

Sometimes the struggles are not with the workflow changes or patient engagement, but with the portal software itself.

When considering a practice merger or an opportunity to join a new group, keep a close eye on retirement accounts

When husband and wife Mark Christensen, MD, andHeidi Christensen, MD, decided to leave their practices in Redlands, California, for a smaller practice out of state, they knew it was going to get complicated.

Googling your name and finding a nasty review from a patient is likely a distressing experience if you’re a doctor. Experts shared some tips that physicians can use to own the online review process. Here are a few...

Social media is more powerful than you think. It has become increasingly common for patients to find their physicians online. Creating a positive online presence can be one of the easiest ways to market your practice and make a lasting impression on patients.