Wednesday, March 7, 2012
For Physicians
Guide helps doctors assess emerging payment models
A new "how-to" manual from the AMA helps physicians evaluate, negotiate and manage risk-based payment systems that are becoming alternatives to the predominant fee-for-service model for reimbursing physicians.
The manual, "Evaluating and Negotiating Emerging Payment Options," comprehensively analyzes such budget-based payment systems as payment bundling, pay-for-performance, withholds and risk pools, capitation and shared savings.
"The AMA is committed to providing physicians with the tools they need to assess, participate and succeed in emerging payment systems," AMA President Peter W. Carmel, MD, said in a news release. "The AMA's new resource provides practical information to help physicians evaluate budget-based payment models and successfully negotiate the evolving payment environment."
The new manual is just one of many resources available free to all physicians on the AMA's newly updated online practice consultant website. The AMA also offers related resources about accountable care organizations, co-ops and other new delivery system options.
Design your practice to meet the needs of elderly patients
As the population ages with the first wave of baby boomers turning 65, a book from the AMA can help you meet the unique needs of your aging patients in how you design your office and manage your practice.
The AMA's Geriatric Care by Design presents strategies that can help you approach such challenges and opportunities as accessibility, coordination of care and office services. Case studies and lessons learned from experts in primary and specialty care provide clear insight on how to design an environment that meets your needs and those of your staff and elderly patients.
Issues discussed in the book include structural design, staffing, patient self-management and health literacy, and the role of the family caregiver.
"All physicians must be prepared to meet and treat the unique needs of our older patients," AMA President Peter W. Carmel, MD, said in a news release. "This new resource will help physicians successfully tailor their practices so they can provide superior individualized care to their geriatric patients."
The guide is available as a hard copy or in a convenient eBook version. AMA members receive a discount on this and other titles through the AMA Bookstore. If you're not a member, join today.
