7 things your peers are doing to cope with pay-fix mess, reform impact

Why This Topic Matters

It offers a snapshot of real-world practice responses to payment pressure and reform-related change, helping readers compare their own operational planning with what peer practices are doing.

Article Sections

1. Practice responses to Medicare payment uncertainty and reform

   An overview of how peer practices are coping with uncertain reimbursement and broader reform-related changes. It introduces the range of operational adjustments discussed in the article.

2. Prepare for reform changes now, starting with education

   Discusses early preparation for upcoming practice changes and the role of staff and patient education. It focuses on broad preventive-care and access-related adjustments.

3. Increase physician time by reducing their non-clinical tasks

   Reviews workflow changes intended to reduce administrative burdens on physicians. It highlights delegation and staffing approaches used to free up clinician time.

4. Open up appointment slots by staggering breaks

   Covers scheduling and access strategies intended to keep appointment availability more consistent. It describes general approaches to coverage and extended office hours.

5. Review staff costs and benefit levels

   Addresses labor-cost management and changes to employee benefit practices. The section presents broad cost-containment decisions being made by practices.

6. Keep inventories of supplies and equipment tight

   Discusses tightening supply and equipment purchasing practices. It focuses on inventory monitoring as a response to financial pressure.

7. Don't overlook the little things

   Covers smaller operational cost-saving measures used in the office. The section includes general examples of day-to-day expense control.

8. Use local resources and advocate as part of a larger group

   Describes advocacy efforts and coordination with professional groups and local organizations. It emphasizes broad responses to payment and coverage pressures.