The PULSE of The Physician Alliance
Friday, June 7, 2019
New poster educates patients on vitamin D testing
Vitamin D testing has significantly increased over the past few years, although the test does not typically improve treatment, according to the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. Many people do not need a test, as they can increase vitamin D naturally.

Vitamin D testing is a metric identified by TPA through the Resource Stewardship Initiative as an over-utilized healthcare procedure. Medicare spent $337 million on vitamin D tests for seniors in 2015, up from $323 million the previous year.

The Physician Alliance created a patient education poster to help practices initiate conversations with patients on this test. The poster can be shared with patients and displayed in waiting areas and exam rooms. Download the vitamin D testing poster here or click here to order copies for your practice.
Secure physician portal holds quality reports and much more
The Physician Alliance's secure physician portal enables physicians the opportunity to access important quality reports. Sample information includes:
  • Estimated CLQI Progress Report show primary care practice progress on CLQI measures and the likelihood of reaching the 5-15% value-based reimbursement (VBR) amounts
  • Population Report Cards (PCP) highlight progress in various quality measures for the most recent quarter and also trends from previous four quarters
  • PCMH Designation & VBR reports (PCP) list designation and VBR results
  • Specialist VBR report lists provider and VBR received (if any); includes dashboard showing the practice in relation to other practices of the same specialty
  • Estimated PGIP TPA Payment Report provides progress toward requirements for annual TPA PGIP payment

The secure portal can be accessed by clicking Physician Login from any page on TPA's website or bookmark www.tpareporting.org .

If you lost your login information, please contact your practice resource team member. If you don't know your PRT member, contact [email protected] .
Learning Institute brings education and information to members
The Physician Alliance is re-launching our education program as the Learning Institute . All internal and external education programs and services will be under the umbrella of the Learning Institute to help members recognize TPA branded information.

The recent physician feedback survey indicated members trust education and information coming from TPA. Our goal is to continue to create materials to exceed the expectations and continuously improve our standards! Check out the Learning Institute on TPA's website .
5 ways doctors build wealth
1. They don’t live up to their income – Smart doctors save a sizable chunk of their earnings and reduce their debt, instead of focusing only on lifestyle changes.
2. They don’t invest without knowing what it is – Doctors often get roped into investments that aren’t right for them. From financing a friend’s business, to taking stock tips from colleagues, to funding real estate deals that later go sour. Do your research or have a trusted professional do it for you, first . 
3. They get good tax advice – CPAs and financial advisors must be able to help mitigate immediate income tax burdens and understand how to efficiently minimize taxes generated by dividends and capital gains. If they don’t understand how you get paid or your investment strategies – it’s time to find better advice.
4. They consider the what-ifs – What if I buy this house and in two years we want to move? What if my parents need assistance as they get older? What if my practice partnership dissolves? What if the market crashes or inflation runs rampant leading up to my retirement years? STRESS TEST YOUR FINANCIAL PLANS!
5. They’re insured appropriately – Insurance is necessary, but don’t go insurance-broke or let a pushy salesperson capitalize on your oh-too-human aversion to risk. Your individual situation dictates what types and how much insurance you need. Purchasing the wrong kinds can be costly and useless.

But the best thing doctors can do to build their wealth? Have a plan! Smart doctors build wealth because they plan to and follow through .
 
Source: Hollander & Lone , a partner in TPA’s Affiliate Partners Program , offers personal and business financial planning services. Contact Hollander & Lone for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation, including a second opinion on your individual or practice's financial health.
 
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, member FINRA / SIPC
News You Can Use
Featured Affiliate Partner
Transworld Systems Inc . provides past due accounts and debt collections services for our member practices at exclusive pricing. TSI offers automated solutions to help practices recover past due patient accounts and reduce slow pay concerns.

Learn more about these services.
The Pulse is the bi-weekly e-newsletter from The Physician Alliance, one of Michigan's largest physician organizations serving more than 2,200 primary care and specialty physicians.
www.thephysicianalliance.org - (586) 498-3555