Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012
For Physicians
Learn how to negotiate managed care contracts
An AMA webinar at 1 p.m. Eastern time Aug. 14 will cover the fundamentals of negotiating contracts with managed care organizations.
The second in a new AMA series, the webinar will be presented by experienced health law attorneys who will explain how to prepare for the negotiation process and share strategies other physicians have found useful in contract negotiations. Register today.
Additional webinars in the series will take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. Each webinar will examine timely contracting issues to help physicians succeed in today's evolving health care system. Topics include new contract provisions, new payment models and physician rights under managed care contracting laws. Webinars will be archived for on-demand viewing.
For additional discussion and contracting tips, physicians can join the AMA's new Cutting-edge Contracting Group (free registration required). This online community allows physicians, practice staff and contract experts to share knowledge and resources about contracting with managed care organizations.
CDC anti-smoking campaign sparks more quit attempts
An edgy smoking cessation campaign launched earlier this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is on track to reach its goal of generating 500,000 quit attempts and 50,000 long-term quit successes.
The agency's graphic "Tips from Former Smokers" ad campaign, which profiled patients living with the effects of smoking-related diseases, has led more than 600,000 additional people to contact and visit the CDC's smoking cessation hotline and website.
"More than two-thirds of all smokers want to quit," CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, MD, said in a news release. "People who smoke die sooner and live sicker. This campaign is saving lives and saving money."
The AMA offers resources to help physicians and their patients meet healthy living goals, including smoking cessation. The AMA's Healthier Life Steps® program includes a quick start guide for physicians and their staff, a self-assessment form for patients, and patient action plans and tracking calendars. In addition to smoking cessation, the program addresses healthy eating, physical activity and risky drinking behaviors.
Physicians can take the AMA's Healthy Lifestyles Pledge to show their commitment to talking to patients about behaviors that lead to healthy lives.
