Opinion

Collaborative aims to reduce metrics burden

Volatile financial markets can be unsettling, but it is important to realize that volatility itself should not cause a medical professional or anyone else to abandon a well-conceived financial plan.

Physicians and non-professional family caregivers are in it together. Both groups are aligned in the effort to provide high-quality, compassionate care to older adults. But too often the reality is we are not.

UC San Diego researchers are testing a new vaccine that they think could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

The CDC has updated its adult immunization schedule, with changes to pneumonia vaccine recommendations, as well as new options to fight MenB and HPV.

It is actually easy to become wealthy slowly. It is very hard or impossible to do so quickly by focusing on returns.

Tax season is inching closer-Here's everything what physicians should do to prepare.

In his debut blog, Ryan Gamlin writes why he thinks the increasing proportion of doctors in medical school today do not intend to treat patients as their primary career-or at all.

A new study indicates that infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.

A new study finds that two nights of 10 hours of sleep can reduce the risk of diabetes in young, healthy males.

A U.K. study finds that incremental population-wide improvements in glycemic control for people with diabetes could result in large healthcare savings.

The use of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir successfully treated hepatitis C virus infection in 90% of advanced liver disease patients, a new study notes.

Private equity deals for physician-led practices continued to grow in 2015, and experts say the trend should seep into more types of practices as buyers look to roll them up through economies of scale. So how do these deals compare with selling to a hospital or large group, and what are the financial mine fields to avoid?

The flow of direct-to-consumer advertising for the latest wonder drugs is constant and seemingly endless. TV, Internet and print ads captivate consumers with tales of medicines that can solve their health issues and improve their lives. But opinions vary about whether DTC advertising is helpful or harmful, not only for patients but for physicians.

Coding and billing advice from the experts

In the process of buying or selling a practice, emotional issues can sometimes overwhelm financial ones. Fear of losing autonomy or worry over inevitable culture clashes often crowd out basic financial considerations, but it’s crucial not to overlook them.

Introducing new tools for the practice should also include addressing ways to maintain productivity.

Medical care in America is fragmented. Independent private practice means that every physician does his or her part in the care of patients. Other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, do their part. All have their own medical records. All charge their fees. Somehow patients navigate their care among various providers.

Doctors are lazy. That’s a brazen, derogatory, declaration that contradicts the usual lofty public image of physicians.

It seems only yesterday that word of mouth was the primary means for the public to hear opinions about physicians. But today, patients and potential patients are more likely to obtain such information online.

The American Board of Internal Medicine is an organization tasked with protecting the public from dangerous internists. That is a noble goal, however, their methods are of dubious value.

In an effort to cut costs and improve care, some provider organizations are exploring a new twist on an old idea.

We already told you the top 10 highest and lowest paying states for primary care physicians, but what about internal medicine?

Although a late flu shot is better than none, a new study out of Mexico reveals that healthcare workers who received early flu shots lost less time at work.

Find out how you can help your patients get the protection they need from domestic vaccine-preventable diseases or diseases that pose an international threat.

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.

It’s frustrating when patients don’t follow recommendations. These tips may get them on track.

Doctors put a great deal of thought and effort into developing treatment plans for patients, but typically have no way of knowing-beyond results at follow-up appointments-whether the patient is actually following it. But advances in technology are giving physicians and their staff new tools for improving and tracking patient adherence.

For practices that do not routinely offer vaccinations or are struggling to maintain a successful program, we would like to offer a basic outline of the process our practice used.