A bi-weekly newsletter from your physician organization
Friday, July 29, 2022
Antibiotic use impacting quality scores
Antibiotics are important drugs and can treat infections caused by bacteria. These medications can also help prevent the spread of disease and reduce serious disease complications. However, antibiotic use is not always effective nor appropriate for all cases. Yet, antibiotics continue to be over-prescribed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately one-third of antibiotic use in patients is not needed nor appropriate [check out the CDC's Be Antibiotic Aware campaign resource]. Taking unnecessary antibiotics can cause harmful side effects, promote antibiotic resistance, cost money and not improve symptoms.

The Physician Alliance has room for improvement in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Commercial PPO for the following metrics related to respiratory symptoms and treatment (current score listed):

  • Appropriate testing for members with pharyngitis: 61.7%
  • Appropriate treatment for members with upper respiratory infection: 84.7%
  • Avoidance of antibiotic treatment for members with acute bronchitis: 47%

The Physician Alliance created education materials that members can share with patients to educate on when to get tested and use antibiotics for respiratory issues. Practices are encouraged to print these materials, post in exam rooms and give to patients.

  • 6 facts you should know about using antibiotics for bronchitis poster
  • Rx ‘non-prescription’ (antibiotics) flyer
  • Rx ‘non-prescription’ (PEDIATRICS antibiotics) flyer
  • Managing bronchitis poster
Savings end soon on telecommunications services
Don't miss the sizzling summer special on telecommunications services and products! These exclusive savings for The Physician Alliance members end Aug. 31, 2022.

Edge Solutions, an Affiliate Partner, provides premise-based and hosted-VoIP telephone solutions, network support equipment, overhead paging systems, surveillance grade camera systems, white noise (sound masking for exam room privacy) and more.

The Physician Alliance members already receive savings with discounted monthly services, flat rate pricing for on-site service calls and discounted hardware and rental fees. Now SAVE EVEN MORE with these summer specials:

  • 1-year agreement: Receive 50% discount (excluding taxes) off the13th invoice
  • 2-year agreement: Receive two months FREE (valid on contract month 13 and 24, excluding taxes)
  • 3-year agreement: Receive three months FREE (valid on contract month 13, 24, and 37, excluding taxes)

Click here for more details and pricing.
New mental health and suicide hotline now live
U.S. residents experiencing a mental health crisis can now call or text the numbers 9-8-8 for assistance.

Modeled after 911, the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is "designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional." according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The department states that users of 988 won't get a busy signal or be put on hold. 

The 988 lifeline replaces the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (calls to this number will be routed to 988). The 988 lifeline has a network of more than 200 local crisis call centers around the country. People who call or text the number are connected to a trained counselor at a crisis center closest to them. If a local crisis center is too busy to respond right away, the call gets routed to one of 16 backup centers around the country.

Additional information and patient and provider resources can be found at 988lifeline.org.
Are audio-only appointments HIPAA compliant?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently provided guidance surrounding audio-only telemedicine to ensure HIPAA compliance. The new guidance states that certain measures need to be taken to protect patient healthcare information. These include: 

  • The physician must be in a private setting, 
  • Speakerphone should not be used, 
  • And other measures should be taken to protect privacy. 

These security safeguards don’t apply to phone calls but do apply if the appointment is conducted over an internet-based voice service. HHS wanted to continue allowing audio-only appointments after the pandemic to help with expanded rural care and to reach those with disabilities. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth greatly expanded, and HHS made special exceptions to not bring certain enforcement actions. Many of these policies are expected to end soon. 

It is essential that your office is compliant with HIPAA, especially regarding telehealth and providing patients with their records. These are areas that will be and are under great government scrutiny. 

To protect your office, make sure your HIPAA risk assessment is up to date and that your policies are current. Ensure that you have the necessary protections in place for any electronic protected health information (e-PHI). 

Source: One of TPA's Affiliate Partners, Rickard & Associates, provides extensive legal knowledge on a variety of business issues to TPA members.
The latest healthcare news
Ways you can save
Featured Affiliate Partner: WEALTH MANAGEMENT: Morgan Stanley offers comprehensive financial planning services for personal and business needs.

Learn more about this partner.