Part B News | Physician Practice Perspectives

Better practice efficiency comes with automation

01/01/2013

Encounter forms, charge tickets, note cards … when it comes to physician documentation of professional charge information for reimbursement, putting pen to paper (maybe even a napkin) is still a heavily relied upon approach. Despite software advances, high physician adoption of automated processes remains elusive for many practices, and it's costing them money.

Six in 10 physicians would quit today

01/01/2013

by: John Commins

Downbeat survey results show widespread discontent among doctors, who are are choosing to work less and see fewer patients. If the trend continues, it is expected to amount to 44,250 full-time equivalents lost from the physician workforce over the next four years.

Physician groups warming up to HIEs

01/01/2013

by: Jacqueline Fellows

Two reports show health information exchanges gaining ground among doctors as barriers—lack of interoperability, lack of information exchange infrastructure, and cost concerns—fall away. More than half of hospital-owned physician groups surveyed say they plan to join a state, hospital, or regional HIE.

Health insurers betting on urgent care centers

01/01/2013

by: Margaret Dick Tocknell

As insurers seek ways to control the price point at the entry level of the healthcare system, health plans such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pittsburgh are turning to developing urgent care center networks.

Should you extend your practice hours?

01/01/2013

by: Chelsea Rice

Primary care practices that offer evening and weekend appointments can capture business that might otherwise go to urgent care centers or emergency departments. But at what cost to employees and staff?

Antibiotic use, costs show wide regional variations

01/01/2013

by: Cheryl Clark

A report finds large differences in antibiotic prescribing practices in outpatient settings by state and by region, with the highest rates found in the South. The variation may be explained, in part, by the efforts of health plans to reduce the use of antibiotics without indication.

Prescription drug abuse rates hound providers

01/01/2013

by Jacqueline Fellows

One in three providers avoids flu shots as stakes rise

01/01/2013

by Cheryl Clark

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