NALTO NewsBrief

Increase in doctors' pay for Medicaid services off to a slow start

17 Jun 2013 14:12:50 CDT

The Obama administration's strategy of enticing more primary care doctors to treat the poor by raising Medicaid reimbursement rates is off to a slow start. Only a handful of states have begun paying doctors at the higher rates, which average a 73 percent increase nationally.

Doctors seek MBAs to grapple with healthcare reform

17 Jun 2013 14:12:50 CDT

Doctors used to focus on one thing: practicing medicine. But these days, it pays to know something about business. As healthcare reform starts upending the economics of medicine, the Kelley School — a top-20 MBA program based in Indiana — is looking to cash in by launching an online MBA for just doctors.

Nurse practitioners playing doctor more often

17 Jun 2013 14:12:50 CDT

With Obamacare on the horizon and a growing shortage of primary-care physicians rising fast, nurses could fill the void. But, Dr. Daniela Drake asks, are they good enough?

How to keep patients focused during office visits

17 Jun 2013 14:12:50 CDT

It's not unusual to hear patients complain about doctors who don't listen well. "He interrupts before I can get my whole story out," they'll say. But every practicing physician has been on the other end of this. You no doubt find yourself, from time to time, trapped in an exam room with a patient who goes on and on and on. Fortunately, there are some simple techniques to employ when this occurs. Consider these four scenarios.

Get published in NALTO NewsBrief

17 Jun 2013 14:12:50 CDT

In an effort to enhance the overall content of the NALTO NewsBrief, we'd like to include peer-written articles in future editions. As a member of NALTO, your knowledge of the industry lends itself to unprecedented expertise. And we're hoping you'll share this expertise with your peers through well-written commentary. Because of the digital format, there's no word or graphical limit. Our group of talented editors can help with final edits. If you're interested in participating, please contact Ronnie Richard to discuss logistics.

Medicare finances in better shape than thought

17 Jun 2013 14:12:50 CDT

The Medicare Trustees projected the trust fund that finances Medicare's hospital insurance coverage will remain solvent until 2026, two years beyond the projection in last year's report. Marilyn Tavenner, RN, BSN, MHA, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the Affordable Care Act has allowed CMS to take "important steps to improve the delivery of care for seniors with Medicare."