At least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in U.S. doctors' offices and emergency departments each year are unnecessary, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report also shared that during March 2020 to October 2021, the overall volume of antibiotic prescriptions was lower than 2019. However, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in outpatient settings still remain high.

Decreasing unnecessary antibiotic use is also a quality measure that The Physician Alliance practices have room for improvement.

There are many patient education materials available relating to appropriate antibiotic use. These are useful in educating patients on when an antibiotic can be helpful or harmful. Below are some resources created by TPA and the CDC.

• 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
• Antibiotics aren't always the answer flyer (CDC)
• Are antibiotics needed for my child's runny nose? flyer (CDC)

The Physician Alliance is offering special training for practice staff interested in gaining additional knowledge of provider-delivered care management (PDCM) codes and foundational care management billing. Through a partnership with the Michigan Institute for Care Management and Transformation (MICMT), TPA staff will lead live virtual programs throughout the year. Check TPA's website for upcoming events, including the following program:

Foundational Care Management Codes & Billing Opportunities

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023; 8am-12pm

Live virtual

Register now.

The Foundational Care Management Codes & Billing Opportunities course builds upon team-based care focusing on reimbursement for care management services for BCBSM and Priority Health. Some details discussed may be similar for other payers. This course was designed to support and train physician organizations and practice staff on care management billing. This course will be open to identified practice care management staff and administrators.

Topics will include:

• Care team coding and billing is a team sport
• Billing optimization
• Billing applications
• Billing resources

NOTE: This course is cost-free and only open to TPA PCMH practices.

Space is limited; registration deadline is Feb. 14 at 5pm. It is recommended that the Introduction to Team-Based Care course be taken prior to this course.

Certificates offered: Biller/Coder CEU, Certificate of Completion, Nursing CE, Social Work CE

Good news for those in need of an estate plan to help organize your assets!

The Physician Alliance's Affiliate Partner, Rickard & Associates, is extending their special offer - TPA members receive $500 off estate planning services when an initial consultation is scheduled on or before Feb. 7, 2023.

Start the new year off right by having your estate plan updated or drafted by estate planning experts at Rickard & Associates. Click here for more information.

Contact Rickard & Associates at (586) 498-0600.

The Physician Alliance's Affiliate Partners program is designed to help member practices utilize practical products and services to improve business performance and save money. Each partner undergoes a multi-step evaluation process before being invited to be part of the Affiliate Partners program. Partners must also agree to offer special services and offers to TPA members.

The following Affiliate Partners provide a wide variety of products and services at discounted pricing for our members. Click on the category for more details on services and contact information or download the directory here.

The Physician Alliance team evaluates companies and services on an ongoing basis. Members can submit category and/or company suggestions to info@thephysicianalliance.org.

Rates of Long COVID in the U.S. Have Declined Since June of 2022, Kaiser Health News

Diabetes in kids and young people is projected to dramatically surge, USA Today

SNAP benefits returning to pre-COVID amounts in February, Axios

An FDA committee votes to roll out a new COVID vaccination strategy, NPR

WHO: COVID still an emergency but nearing ‘inflection’ point, WDIV Ch. 4

Nurses feel unprepared for future pandemics, unsupported by employers, Becker's Hospital Review