News in brief - Dec. 19, 2011

Physicians Foundation names top issues for medical practices in 2012

The five biggest challenges for medical offices in 2012 are expected to be the shift of physicians from private to large or hospital-based practices, increased regulatory burdens, a shortage of primary care doctors, a growth in demand for physician leadership skills, and the need to provide higher quality care.

This is according to a statement issued Dec. 6 by the Physicians Foundation, which formed in 2003 after health insurers settled lawsuits from physicians and medical associations over payment issues. The foundation said most of the challenges are the result of the continuing impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"Proposed changes to our health care system have already significantly impacted physicians and patients," said Lou Goodman, PhD, Physicians Foundation president and chief executive officer of the Texas Medical Assn. "We hope the physician watch list helps to address the core issues under the new legislation and offers doctors and the health care community guidance on how to deliver the best care possible to patients in 2012."

Back to top

EMR adoption on the rise

The National Center for Health Statistics' November data brief shows that 57% of office-based physicians are using some form of an electronic medical record system.

The report found EMR use among office-based physicians has risen from 18% in 2001 to 57%. There was a 12% increase from 2010.

The report found that 52% of physicians planned to apply for meaningful use incentives, up from 41% a year ago. Of those who planned to apply, 43% had an EMR system supporting eight of the 15 core set objectives required to qualify.

Back to top

Humana buys analytics company

Humana announced Dec. 7 that it will buy Anvita Health, a San Diego-based company that analyzes health claims data to generate messages to doctors and patients about "gaps in care" and potential drug interactions.

Humana has been using Anvita's services since 2010 to send clinical information to network physicians, Humana Chair and CEO Michael McCallister said in the announcement.

The purchase price was not disclosed.

The Anvita purchase was Humana's second acquisition in as many weeks. It announced the purchase of home care company Senior Bridge on Nov. 29.

Back to top