In this issue Re: The Law: 1) Summarize the concept of health courts 2) Describe the advantages of utilizing a system of health courts 3) Explain the concepts of negligence and avoidability and RE: Technology:  1) Describe the ways that EHRs can help practices meet P4P reporting requirements 2) Evaluate the potential advantages of the electronic patient registry option for P4P reporting 3) Recognize the limitations of using a claims-based registry system for P4P reporting.

In this issue, Re: Technology1) Design a Web site for their practice that provides functionality for both patients and providers, 2) Provide for patient education on their practice Web site by using a variety of resources such as educational videos, widgets, and calculators 3) Locate and use free resources to enhance their practice Web site.  Re: In Practice 1) Routinely initiate discussions concerning their patients’ religious beliefs as they apply to their healthcare, 2) Use patient intake and the medical history interview to encourage patients to disclose religious beliefs that pertain to their healthcare 3) Create professional barriers protecting their personal religious beliefs, while keeping open a spiritual dialogue with their patients

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of CME LLC and Physicians Practice. CME LLC is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME LLC designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The research report is based on original on-site research, as well as a consensus panel composed of primary care providers and practice staff. The report will provide tools to guide practites through operational challenges in an effort to improve processes surrounding diabetes care.

This practice management journal helps physicians effectively manage the operational and business aspects of their practices by providing solutions for everyday concerns businesses face. Topics in this issue include: how to effectively communicate with your patient and practice partners, billing services vs. EHR Vendor, protecting your practice from embezzlement, coding expenses and for pelvic exams, budgeting/cost-control techniques, employee salaries, online meetings, vaccine management, ownership vs. leasing office space, and EHR stimulus.

This practice management journal helps physicians effectively manage the operational and business aspects of their practices by providing solutions for everyday concerns businesses face. Topics in this issue include: maintaining workplace etiquette, practice management during difficult economic times, EMRs, when to code a consult, professional coding, outsourcing billing, maintaining healthy relationships and coming to mutual terms with practic partners, preventative care, financial investment and stock trading, procedures for removing an exiting employee’s IT access, and worksite clinics.

Patient Privacy

• Protect the privacy of their patients when complying with record requests
• Develop a policy that governs record requests from different entities
• Demonstrate familiarity with HIPAA regulations as they
  pertain to patient privacy

Human Resources

• Design an inclusive training program for new employees
• Institute processes for ongoing staff assessment and training
• Develop training materials and job descriptions for their practice