| HealthLeaders Media PhysicianLeaders - March 13, 2008 | Physicians Take the Lead |
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Physicians Take the Lead
Elyas Bakhtiari, Managing Editor
After spending a few days at the AMGA annual conference talking to physicians and group practice executives, I can't escape the notion that, if the U.S. healthcare system is headed for major change, it won't happen without physicians leading the way. [Read More] |
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March 13, 2008 | |
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Editor's Picks
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Doctor: Primary care shortage threatens healthcare
Kevin Pho, MD, a primary care physician in Nashua, NH, and author of the blog Kevin, MD, takes on both political parties' approaches to healthcare reform in this USA Today op-ed. While Republicans focus on consumer-directed solutions and Democrats push for universal coverage, he thinks both are ignoring the real problem: the primary care shortage. The first step toward a solution is reforming the reimbursement system to better reward primary care physicians, he argues. [Read More]
Docs take on insurer over copays
Pittsburgh physicians are butting heads with Highmark, Inc., Pennsylvania's largest insurer, over a recent decision to charge Medicare customers a $25 copay on certain injected drugs. The oncologists say these payments are becoming a financial burden on patients, who may have to get several injections per week, and are ready to lobby their congressmen on their behalf. This may be a battle we see more often, as other insurers that offer Medicare Advantage debate raising copays to offset drug costs. [Read More]
What's your practice style?
Jan Gurley, MD, wrote this article in the San Francisco Chronicle for patients, but it's interesting from a physician's perspective as well. She outlines the different styles of practicing medicine. There's the doctor who "crosses every t and dots every i," and probably orders too many tests, the minimizer doctor who thinks everything is nothing, and the worst-case-worrier doctor. Which one are you? [Read More]
Insurer finds EMRs won't pay off for its doctors
A Massachusetts insurer has decided it won't require physicians to install an EMR to participate in bonus programs. Their reason? The financial benefits aren't worth the cost; researchers estimated that it would take five to six years for an EMR to recoup its cost in an office-based practice. Physicians have been making that argument for a while and say this strengthens the case for outside funding (i.e., from the local, state, or federal government) to help with initial costs. [Read More]
Going Global
Like other markets, the healthcare industry is becoming increasingly global. Want to keep an eye on what's going on overseas? Check out our new Global section on the HealthLeaders Media Web site and read Senior Online Editor Rick Johnson's column on the economy and healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates. [Read More] |
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Business Rx
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Maximize Revenue With Front-Desk Protocols:
Too often, providers overlook front-desk procedures as a tool for protecting their money. Having fundamental front-desk procedures in place is a vital component to having a claim paid the first time. [Read More] |
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Physician News
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Cleveland Clinic spent $1.36 million on federal lobbying
Cleveland Plain Dealer - March 6, 2008
Chicago pediatricians call for Medicaid boost
Chicago Tribune - March 10, 2008
UNC medical schools to expand enrollment
Raleigh News & Observer - March 10, 2008
Texas physicians pushing for computerized prescriptions
Fort Worth Star-Telegram - March 11, 2008
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Sponsored Headlines From IBM
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Healthcare 2015: Win-win or lose-lose? The current paths of many healthcare systems around the world will become unsustainable by 2015. Healthcare systems that fail to transform will likely require immediate and major forced restructuring. There is a more positive scenario that will require new levels of accountability, tough decisions and hard work.
Healthcare 2015 and U.S. health plans: New roles, new competencies: The U.S. healthcare system is on an unsustainable path. Health plan providers must help shape and lead the healthcare transformation or risk being marginalized.
In the interest of the patient: This paper explores how by collaborating and sharing data, the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries can realize the full value of the information they collect--and improve patient treatments. | |
| From HealthLeaders Magazine |
Your Hospital, the Entrepreneur
 Forget those fixed-income investments. Many organizations are funding early-stage healthcare ventures that can yield not only healthy financial returns, but also improved efficiencies and better quality care. [Read More]
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PhysicianLeaders Forum
Concierge Specialties: Contributor Scott MacStravic, PhD, has been tracking the growth of concierge medicine for years and has observed a new trend recently: The model is spreading from primary care to many other medical specialties. Despite the criticisms, this may actually be a good thing for the healthcare industry, he says. [Read More] | |
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