Practice Finance

There was a time when doctors looked forward to retiring after a successful career, looking to vacation, play golf and spend more time with their families. But these days, it seems more physicians are halting retirement plans.

Focus on three things for a successful patient interview during a visit: what the doctor thinks the problem is, what the patient thinks the problem is, and each of their goals.

The industry-wide transition to value-based care was never going to be quick or easy. But both payers and providers may be better equipped for success than they think.

Hackers are increasingly using targeted attacks that resemble legitimate electronic communications.

Next generation medical wearables are facilitating the shift to a value-based care system, moving the point of care to the patient’s home while allowing doctors to monitor the patient’s condition through continuous, real-time data.

This year could prove to be a challenging year for physicians who aren’t attuned to the latest industry trends in reimbursement. 

Physicians should weigh the pros and cons of participating in accountable care organizations.

One medical group’s path to freedom lights the way for others.

Many reimbursement-dependent healthcare companies are struggling under the weight of reimbursement and cost containment pressures across wide areas of the healthcare marketplace.

By taking on a number of care delivery tasks, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can help reduce physician burnout.

A look at the competition for the future of primary care 

Experts analyze a proposed Medicare change that could impact the way physicians prescribe pharmaceuticals.

The free market would provide abundant care. 

What to consider and how to proceed when designing workplace violence prevention programs for healthcare facilities.

Successful practices will review and establish new financial policies, do a better job of educating patients, and consider cash-pay services.

With the right tools, partnerships, and commitment to collaboration, embracing “data utilization” will feel far less overwhelming, and providers will be positioned to enact tangible, positive changes.

Physicians who want to adequately fund their retirement must consider a cash balance plan.

One of the many dangers of job burnout 

How the system works against you -and what to do about it.

The healthcare industry doesn’t stay still and neither do the health systems within it as they strive to make meaningful progress for their patients and providers. With that, we see several key interconnected trends making an impact in 2019.

Physicians engaging with publicly traded companies, such as serving on boards or as expert advisers, should pay particular attention to the rules around their agreements.

What can happen when a practice needs to cut costs

Telemedicine holds promise, but it is just another tool in a clinician’s care delivery toolbox.

It has certainly been a journey to get there-one that has been worthwhile, with many hurdles and contributors working hard to make sure physicians love their jobs and have an active role in making that a reality.

As physicians, we have given up control and lost the ability to do the job we were trained to do. Our focus has turned instead to serving needs that have become more demanding than those of our patients.

Artificial intelligence can create tangible benefits when it helps facilitate better, more frequent support beyond the four walls of care delivery.

Every year, Medical Economics asks physicians to rate the EHR system they use in their practice on a number of factors ranging from usability to customer service.

We all want to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, but you can’t care for patients if you can’t keep the lights on.

Strategies to increase your collection rate in 2019

What does the shrinking market mean for physicians?