Practice Management

Some physicians are finding that running two separate practices-or a hybrid concierge practice that includes traditional fee-for-service-can be a smart economic model. Attracting patients willing to pay extra for conveniences or more extensive care can ease the financial strain of treating patients for whom third-party reimbursements are declining.

Mobile health (mHealth) is a confusing landscape, to be sure. IMS Health, which rates mHealth apps and provides a formal mechanism for app prescribing, estimates there are 63,000 health apps in the Apple and Google stores. The number and variety make it difficult for physicians to find and recommend the good ones. As a result, prescribing mHealth apps is new to most physicians.

The return of narrow networks has been blamed largely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But the trend, similar to health maintenance organizations, re-appeared before the creation of the ACA’s health insurance exchanges. Physicians must learn how to cope with this movement and decide when it makes financial sense to be included in narrow network plans.

Key coding considerations for managing patients with Alzheimer's disease

The obstacles facing practicing physicians are numerous, but can be overcome with the help of great ideas put into action effectively. In order to foster the sharing of new ideas among physicians, Medical Economics introduces Practice Innovators, an ongoing, periodic series spotlighting your colleagues who are breaking new ground in medical practice-and succeeding.

In this Practice Innovators profile, Medical Economics looks at how John Kulin, DO, makes customer service an important part of treating patients.

Some common misperceptions about the upcoming Oct. 1, 2015 coding set transition countered with facts from the experts.

Patients to assist insurer, association in creating program to ensure its relevancy and practicality for those with diabetes.

A new study finds that patients with COPD experience a decrease in physical activity over time, leading to further physical decline.

EHR technology may not be the greatest, but it is a necessary part of most medical practices. Here are three ways to make it work better.

Increasing your income is great, but make a future plan for that added money rather than just spending more right away

A successful EHR implementation should begin well before the vendor arrives at your practice

A new study notes that while men and women have similar risk factors for asthma flare-ups, the latter are hospitalized at a greater rate.

A large chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient network is in the works.

Here are some of the more unusual ICD-10 codes coming to practices Oct. 1, based on where they occur: land, sea, or air.

A new study indicates the inclusion of a pharmacist on diabetes patient care teams can benefit patients and reduce healthcare costs.

A new study shows the positive effects of patient care checklists on those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The MGMA, among others representing medical practices, is asking CMS to delay the Stage 3 rules of meaningful use to benefit physicians and patients.

In obese adults with asthma, losing weight can help reduce asthma severity, according to the results of a Canadian study.

IBM and Medtronic are teaming up to create new personalized diabetes management solutions.

The recently-formed National Association of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS) is calling on its members to encourage the hospitals where they practice to accept NBPAS as an alternative pathway to recertification.

In this Q&A, Medical Economics speaks with Ernie Chaney, MD, FAAFP, a practitioner of family medicine both before and after the passage of Medicare.

Five years after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and 18 months after the beginning of the health insurance exchange, primary care physicians are wondering: Where is the influx of new patients?

Key coding considerations when treating patients with depression

The American Board of Internal Medicine's finances and widespread dissatisfaction with its maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements have not shaken the organization’s faith in its policies or its president and chief executive officer, Richard Baron, MD, MACP.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Legislators and physician organizations took last year’s failed attempt at reform and pushed it through in a different political climate

Medical Economics looks back on the reporting we did before and after the passage of Medicare 50 years ago to see what came to pass, what didn't, and what's in the future

On the 50th birthday of Medicare, Medical Economics looks back at this landmark legislation and the effect it has had on physicians and healthcare in general.

Is 2015 the year you decide to open an urgent care practice? If you are interested in urgent care medicine, you are not alone. Growth is expected to continue as patients seek immediate access to medical care and lower-cost alternatives to emergency department visits. Despite the rewards, urgent care medicine comes with risks-especially for physicians unprepared for the business demands of operating an urgent care center.