A bi-weekly newsletter from your physician organization
Friday, July 30, 2021
Decrease Pap tests and HPV tests
The Physician Alliance is committed to helping provide appropriate use of healthcare services and tests to improve patient care, while also working to lower costs by avoiding unnecessary testing.

One target is to decrease the use of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, alone or in combination with cytology for cervical cancer, in women younger than 30 years old and decrease unnecessary annual Pap tests in women over 30.

HPV testing is not recommended for average-risk women. Studies have shown that unnecessary testing can cause more frequent testing and invasive diagnostic procedures such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Abnormal screening test results may also cause psychological harms, anxiety and distress.

In average-risk women, annual Pap testing has not shown advantages over screening performed at 3-year intervals. However, a doctor should ask female patients about concerns and problems and perform appropriate screenings (with possible pelvic exam) during an annual well visit.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:
TPA created a poster focused on Pap/HPV tests that can be posted in waiting areas and exam rooms to help support conversations between physicians and patients.

Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation, is a national healthcare campaign to promote important healthcare conversations between physicians and patients. Working with national medical societies, Choosing Wisely has produced numerous tip sheets focused on physician tips and patient tips.
Learning Institute info can help with metrics, coding and more
Curious about some codes? Need some tips for meeting certain quality metrics? Don't forget to check out the Learning Institute section on The Physician Alliance's website!

The Learning Institute offers coding tips, quality metric information, coronavirus information sites, resources for closing gaps in care, patient education materials, education videos and more. Click here to view the Learning Institute section.
Room to improve in low back pain imaging metric
Physicians play an important role in ensuring the use of evidence-based medicine in healthcare decisions. Patients look to and trust their physician to recommend the most appropriate and necessary care.

Low back pain imaging continues to be a HEDIS metric with room to improve within The Physician Alliance.

Decreasing the use of imaging for low back pain within the first four weeks of symptoms promotes the use of evidence-based medicine when making health care stewardship decisions. The below tip is for providers working with patients experiencing low back pain:

  • DO NOT do imaging for low back pain within the first four weeks, unless there has been recent trauma, history of cancer, loss of feeling/weakness/numbness in the lower limbs, IV drug use, fever, weight loss, or incontinence.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

  • TPA created a poster focused on decreasing imaging for low back pain within the first four weeks of diagnosis. Practices are encouraged to post this flyer in waiting areas and exam rooms to help support conversations between patients and physicians.

  • Give a 'non-prescription' flyer offering tips for managing low back pain without imaging.

  • Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation, is a national healthcare campaign to promote important healthcare conversations between physicians and patients. Working with national medical societies, Choosing Wisely has produced numerous tip sheets focused on physician tips and patient tips.
Make certain medical malpractice insurance is up to date
A great deal of time and commitment is invested in physicians’ medical careers and their practices. Medical malpractice insurance is important to protect these investments.

At a minimum, policies should be reviewed annually to check if appropriately insured. Some things to keep in mind when considering insurance providers and purchasing policies:

  • What are appropriate limits of liability?
  • Are the employees covered as part of the policy?
  • What is the coverage territory?
  • If own a medical professional corporation, then how is coverage provided for the entity?
  • What ancillary coverage (e.g., cyber liability) is included in the policy?
 
Medical professional liability insurance is a critical component of protecting a physicians’ profession and reputation. Choosing the right amount of coverage necessitates careful consideration of these needs and protections.

Have a medical malpractice policy coming up for renewal? Check out this guide to learn more on purchasing professional medical liability insurance.

Source: Coverys, an Affiliate Partner, offers medical malpractice insurance and risk analytics to TPA members. Contact Coverys at 517-886-8345 for a no obligation quote. 
The latest healthcare news
Ways you can save
Featured Affiliate Partner: MORTGAGE & BANKING SERVICES: Huntington
offers a premier mortgage program to physicians and residents looking to buy or refinance a home.The program offers great benefits, including NO private mortgage insurance, prepayment penalty or restrictions on residency, plus closing cost discount and more. TPA members also receive exclusive banking benefits, special rates and more.

Learn more about this partner.