Oct. 6, 2023: Advocacy Update other news

The AMA Physician Practice Information (PPI) Survey is underway, and all selected physicians are encouraged to actively engage in this effort. The intent of the survey, which has been endorsed by over 170 medical societies and other health care associations (see full list), is to collect updated and accurate data on practice costs which are a key element of physician payment.

These data have not been updated since last collected over 15 years ago, and it is critically important to update these data to ensure accurate payment.

Find out more information about this survey. 

Mathematica, a well-regarded consulting firm, is helping the AMA run this survey. Your practice may receive an email (from [email protected]) and a USPS priority mail packet from Mathematica that contains a link to the survey as well as supporting information. The AMA urges you to speak with your practice management colleagues to determine if they have received these communications and ask them to complete this important survey. In the coming weeks or months, your practice, or Mathematica, may ask you to complete a brief survey on the number of weekly hours spent on direct patient care. The AMA urges you to complete this two-minute survey.

The “Cybersecurity for the Clinician” video training series on the AMA Ed Hub™ provides physicians and students in the medical profession with what they need to understand how cyber-attacks can affect clinical operations and patient safety. The eight videos in the series use easy, non-technical language to explain how you can do your part to help keep health care data, systems and patients safe from cyber threats. With October recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, use this resource to stay current on your security training and posture. 

Produced by the Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council Cybersecurity Working Group, Episode 1 of the series, Cyber Safety Is Patient Safety, discusses the threat cyber-attacks pose to patients, including stealing patient data, disrupting clinical operations, and ultimately harming patients. Other episodes feature discussions on the social engineering techniques that are used to acquire patients' personal information, medical device cybersecurity, and the teams that act after a cyber-attack occurs. Each episode is hosted by Christian Dameff, MD, an emergency medicine physician and medical director for cybersecurity. 

Also, in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take advantage of other resources. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 405(d) Program is focused on providing the health care sector with impactful resources, products and tools to raise awareness and strengthen its cybersecurity posture against threats. In addition, at its physician cybersecurity webpage, the AMA has curated resources and tips for physicians and health care staff to protect patient health records and other data from cyberattacks. 

• Oct. 6, 2023: Medicare Payment Reform Advocacy Update
• Oct. 6, 2023: National Advocacy Update
• Oct. 6, 2023: State Advocacy Update