Estimating that most individuals experience at least one diagnostic error at some point in life, and 5 percent of adults experience an error each year, a report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Improving Diagnosis in Health Care," the latest in its Quality Chasm Series, asserts that "[i]mproving the diagnostic process is not only possible, but also represents a moral, … [Read more...] about IOM report targets diagnostic errors, calls for medical offices to help improve process
Health care reform
Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
While more than three-quarters of health care providers express optimism about the future of U.S. health care overall, support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has lessened according to a new study by Mortenson, one of the leading health care contractors in the United States. The number of health care providers who feel positive about the ACA has fallen significantly in … [Read more...] about Health care providers optimistic but losing confidence in ACA according to study
HHS announces $685 million to support clinicians delivering high quality, patient-centered care
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell recently announced $685 million in awards to 39 national and regional health care networks and supporting organizations to help equip more than 140,000 clinicians with the tools and support needed to improve quality of care, increase patients' access to information, and reduce costs. The Transforming Clinical Practice … [Read more...] about HHS announces $685 million to support clinicians delivering high quality, patient-centered care
Paid sick leave: what medical practices need to know
Currently, there is no federal law that requires private sector employers, including medical practices, to provide paid or unpaid sick leave, explains a new report from XpertHR, an online service for HR professionals from Reed Business Information. Without federal legislation in place, however, several states and local jurisdictions have taken matters into their own hands by … [Read more...] about Paid sick leave: what medical practices need to know
Despite health care changes, physicians remain happy
Even with ICD-10 creating challenges, the rules governing "meaningful use" of EHRs in a state of flux, and the shift in reimbursement from volume to value, U.S. physicians are still happy in their careers. That's according to the 2015 Great American Physician Survey, sponsored by medical billing software provider Kareo and conducted by Physicians Practice, a publication of … [Read more...] about Despite health care changes, physicians remain happy
Survey finds support for the Affordable Care Act among physician leaders
Results of a comprehensive survey show widespread support for the U.S. Affordable Care Act (ACA) among physicians nationwide. Fifty-five (55) percent of survey respondents say they agree or strongly agree that the controversial law passed in 2010 has "more good than bad" in it. The survey was conducted in spring 2015 by the American Association for Physician Leadership, a … [Read more...] about Survey finds support for the Affordable Care Act among physician leaders
The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills
A 2014 survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) finds that collecting balances due from patients is the seventh most "intense and applicable challenge" for the members surveyed. And no wonder. According to a 2014 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average yearly deductible in the United States has more than doubled in the last eight years, … [Read more...] about The balance between kindness and good business: getting your patients to pay their bills
Doctors say Affordable Care Act increasing costs
Even as a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholds the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a recent survey of American physicians finds doctors believe it is driving up the cost of healthcare. Sixty-one percent of physicians report an increase in overhead costs for items such as electronic medical records and administrative costs to comply with the ACA. And physicians report it is … [Read more...] about Doctors say Affordable Care Act increasing costs
Telemedicine: staying current amid ongoing changes
The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) defines telemedicine, also known as telehealth, as the remote delivery of healthcare services and clinical information using telecommunications technology. This includes a wide array of clinical services using Internet, wireless, satellite, and telephone media. Although telemedicine is often associated with remote consultations, … [Read more...] about Telemedicine: staying current amid ongoing changes
AMIA recommends changes in the management of medical data
The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), the leading professional association for informatics professionals, recommends changes to managing electronic health records (EHRs) that will support patient engagement, improve provider workflow, support innovation, and set the stage for future improvements that will improve patients' health and health care. Recommended … [Read more...] about AMIA recommends changes in the management of medical data