For Physicians

Webinar to tackle topics in managed care contracting

An AMA webinar series beginning July 24 discusses new contract provisions and strategies for success that every physician should know before signing managed care contracts and amendments.

The first webinar, which will take place at 1 p.m. Eastern time July 24, will kick off the series with an introduction to managed care contracting. An experienced health law attorney will discuss key changes physicians will begin seeing in their contracts, including important payment and delivery system modifications.

The webinar also will demonstrate how to use the AMA's National Managed Care Contract and its database, a comprehensive online tool that empowers AMA members to succeed in managed care contracting, particularly in the evolving health care environment.

This series will continue with hourlong webinars every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Each webinar will address an important topic in managed care contracting.

Register today for the July 24 webinar.

Tool helps doctors identify genetic risk of colon cancer

A new Web-based course can help primary care physicians identify hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes in their patients.

Developed by the AMA and the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG), the course is available in both an enduring format and a performance improvement format. The enduring format of the course is divided into four interactive lessons to help physicians identify and manage these cancer syndromes. The performance improvement format includes chart abstractions and a self assessment before and after participation in the Web-based course.

"With rapidly developing advances in genetic and molecular medicine, physicians are looking for ways to stay up-to-date in this field to better serve their patients," AMA President Jeremy A. Lazarus, MD, said in a news release. "These developments have made it possible for physicians to now identify hereditary cancer syndromes by looking for specific clues in a patient's personal and family medical history."

Each of the course's four lessons includes a series of patient scenarios and a practical assessment of the physicians' skills in identifying a patient's risk. The lessons cover assessing risk, genetic testing, risk communication and counseling, and screening and surveillance.

Colorectal cancer affects approximately 140,000 Americans annually. Like other cancers, it develops as the result of a combination of genetic, biologic and environmental factors. It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of colorectal cancers are caused by a hereditary syndrome in which a single gene alteration conveys a high cancer risk.

The enduring format of the course has been certified for 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, while participants who complete all three stages of the performance improvement format are eligible for 20.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

Learn more about the course.

Member feedback wanted on AMA's new strategic direction

AMA members are invited to send feedback (AMA login required) on the AMA's new strategic direction, which focuses on three areas: improving health outcomes, accelerating change in medical education, and shaping payment and delivery models to enhance physician satisfaction.

Learn more about the new strategic direction.