There are some terms that conjure dread in certain groups: LDL for middle-aged people, Brexit for London bankers, Presidential elections 2016 for Americans and MACRA for clinicians. Most clinicians don’t know much about it. Those that do, find little to appreciate. Everyone agrees that the intention behind the law is noble, but it is steeped Read more…
5 Things to Know from Clinton’s NEJM Article on Healthcare Policy Reform
Recently the New England Journal of Medicine posed one specific question to both major presidential candidates regarding their healthcare policies. That question was: “What specific changes in policy do you support to improve access to care, improve quality of care and control health care costs for our nation?” Secretary Clinton responded while Mr. Trump declined a response. Mrs. Clinton’s Read more…
Comparing Party Platforms: ACA , Abortion & Medicaid
Whether they’re declaring “I’m with her!” or instead, prefer to “Make America Great Again!” Americans will be heading out to the polls shortly and making their opinions heard. Still undecided, or just looking to learn a bit more before you cast your vote? Here is a general idea of where Democrats and Republicans stand on three key issues in the recent presidential debates. The Read more…
5 Health Policy Areas to Watch out for in Election 2016
The 2016 Presidential election is only a few days away, and it will be one of the most divisive political contests in recent history. Considering the magnitude of challenges facing the nation, at the domestic and international fronts, one would have hoped for clarity in party positions on key issues such as healthcare. Unfortunately, presidential Read more…
Why are patients less Loyal?
Listen to this The ever-shifting healthcare landscape has provided consumers with new care options. With retail clinics, virtual visits and urgent care practices, it has become harder for primary care physicians to elicit patient loyalty. And yet, for many PCPs, success in today’s crowded marketplace depends greatly on loyalty. The 2015 PCP Consumer Loyalty Survey, presented Read more…
Physicians have Four Pathways for 2017
In July, CMS hinted at the possibility of a MACRA delay or some restructuring of the proposed rule to decrease the burden of compliance. On September 8, CMS explained this flexibility. The final ruling is expected to be available in November. Here is what we know so far: – The compliance date has not changed. On January 1, Read more…
Health IT Infographics
How Is Augmented Reality Transforming Medicine?
Have you noticed more and more people walking around your town or city staring at their smartphones and acting a little…weird? If so, there’s no need to panic. These people are most likely playing Pokémon Go, a free augmented reality game for iOS and Android users. The app harnesses a phone’s GPS to inform players Read more…
Caution : False Claim Penalties Double as of August 1, 2016
The False Claims Act (FCA), also called the “Lincoln Law”, is a federal law that imposes liability on persons and companies who defraud governmental programs The Department of Justice has almost doubled the penalties under the FCA. As of August 1, the minimum penalty for each false claim will increase from $5,500 to $10,781, and the Read more…
State files Lawsuit to Block Insurance Mergers
Justice Department has filed a preliminary injunction to block mergers involving the country’s top health insurance companies. Four of the top five insurances by market share had announced plans to merge in 2016. This included Aetna with Humana, Anthem with Cigna. UnitedHealth Group, the largest by market value, is not involved in the proposed mergers. Read more…