Staff News Writer

Physicians can’t meet meaningful use requirements without certified electronic health records (EHR). Medical associations recommended three changes to improve the certification process and make it easier for physicians to use EHRs and care for patients.

As of Jan. 1, the accreditation systems for allopathic and osteopathic graduate medical education (GME) programs are partners, driving forward the implementation of a single accreditation system for all GME programs in the country.

Physicians will face a 2 percent payment penalty in 2017 if they do not successfully report for Medicare’s Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) this year. You can take advantage of a reporting option that can help improve patient outcomes while simultaneously lessening your chances of incurring penalties.

Physicians will see some key issues play out in their home states over the next year. 200 medical association leaders discussed strategy around legislative and regulatory priorities. Four issues came out at the top of the list.

As a busy medical student, it’s hard to dedicate time to attend the AMA’s Annual and Interim meetings. Check out your AMA Medical Student Section Region Meeting to experience a more locally-focused program, and connect with your peers.

Start the new year with the AMA Online Learning Center, an efficient way to explore top issues in medicine and health care and earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.