scholarly journals Time modifier billing code - an interrupted time series analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Terrence McDonald ◽  
Brendan Lethebe ◽  
Alistair McGuire ◽  
Lee Green
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Interrupted Time Series Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Billing Code

Time modifier billing code: Interrupted time series analysis. Terrence McDonald, Brendan Cord Lethebe, Alistair McGuire, Lee Green Background: Alberta has the highest percentage of fee-for-service Family Physicians in Canada at over 80%. In 2019 as part of a cost containment strategy, the Alberta government proposed a policy change to eliminate the most used fee code that compensates family physicians for extended visit times (16-25 minutes). Optimal length for patient visit times varies throughout the world and countries with health systems that place emphasis on relational continuity demonstrate a trend towards longer appointment times. In Canada, the relationship between visit length and outcomes is not known. Implementation: What would be the likely consequences of eliminating the extended visit code? We examined this question using two different observational methods, to improve confidence in our findings: a retrospective longitudinal cohort (time series) around the time the code was introduced in 2009, and a cross-sectional cohort at current time. We explored the usage patterns of that fee code, its association with the outcomes of emergency department visits and hospitalizations, along with physician billings. Results: We found rates of emergency department visits decreased after the time-modifier code was implemented starting in 2010. This effect was maintained in the years that followed. A similar but less pronounced effect was observed in the hospitalization rates. The cross-sectional analysis had to include an interaction term because family physicians selectively extend visits for patients at risk, but when that is accounted for, the same effect is observed as in longitudinal results. The code was not used ubiquitously among primary care providers, especially in rural areas. Female physicians used it more often. Users use it for an average of 40% of 03.03A office visits. Non-users of the code earned more income than their user-colleagues. Conclusion: We believe our findings will fill an important gap in informing the importance of an extended time service billing code in a fee-for-service system in reducing ED visits and hospitalizations. Advice and Lessons Learned: The fee-for-service time-modifier code, introduced in 2009, resulted in reduced ED visits and hospitalizations. It is likely that discontinuing the code would result in increased ED and hospital utilization, costing much more than removing the code would save. Usage of the time-modifier code was not uniform among primary care. Users of the code had different practice patterns and provider demographics. Our next step is to model the uptake of the code by primary care providers and explore the health system utilization and down-stream costs between users and non-users of the code.

Primary Care of Opioid use Disorder: The End of “the French Model”?

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 346-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Dupouy ◽  
Sandy Maumus-Robert ◽  
Yohann Mansiaux ◽  
Antoine Pariente ◽  
Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
French Model

<b><i>Background:</i></b> In France, most patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have been treated by buprenorphine, prescribed by general practitioners (GP) in private practice since 1996. This has contributed to building a ‘French model’ facilitating access to treatment based on the involvement of GPs in buprenorphine prescription. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Our study aimed to assess whether the involvement of primary care in OUD management has changed lately. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> Using data from the French National Health Insurance database, we conducted a yearly repeated cross-sectional study (2009–2015) and described proportion of opioid maintenance treatment (OMT)-prescribing GPs and OMT-dispensing community pharmacies (CP); and number of patients by GP or CP. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Whereas the number of buprenorphine-prescribing GPs in private practice remained quite stable (decrease of 3%), a substantial decrease in buprenorphine initial prescribers among private GPs was observed. In 2009, 10.3% of private GPs (6,297 from 61,301 French private GPs) prescribed buprenorphine for the initiation of a treatment, whereas they were 5.7% (<i>n</i> = 3,539 from 62,071 private GPs) in 2015 (43.8% decrease). GPs issuing initial prescriptions of buprenorphine tended to care for a higher number of patients treated by buprenorphine (14.6 ± 27.1 patients in 2009 to 16.0 ± 35.4 patients in 2015). The number of CPs dispensing buprenorphine remained quite stable (decrease of 2%), while there was a 7.5% decrease in the total number of French CPs across the study period. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Our results suggest that primary care providers seem less engaged in buprenorphine initiation in OUD patients, while CPs have not modified their involvement towards these patients.

scholarly journals Stressors Facing Home-Based Primary Care Providers

Geriatrics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine O’Brien ◽  
Sara Bradley ◽  
Vanessa Ramirez-Zohfeld ◽  
Lee Lindquist
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Home Based Primary Care ◽  
Home Based

The numbers of homebound patients in the United States are increasing. Home-based primary care (HBPC) is an effective model of interdisciplinary care that has been shown to have high patient satisfaction rates and excellent clinical outcomes. However, there are few clinicians that practice HBPC and clinicians that do face additional stressors. This study sought to better understand the stressors that HBPC providers face in caring for homebound patients. This was a cross-sectional qualitative survey and analysis of HBPC providers. Responses were categorized into four themes: The patient in the home setting, caregiver support, logistics, and administrative concerns. This research is the first to analyze the stressors that providers of HBPC face in serving the needs of complex homebound patients. Awareness and attention to these issues will be important for the future sustainability of home-based primary care.

scholarly journals Barriers to and solutions for addressing insufficient professional interpreter use in primary healthcare

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabienne N. Jaeger ◽  
Nicole Pellaud ◽  
Bénédicte Laville ◽  
Pierre Klauser
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Interpreter Use ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Professional Interpreter ◽  
Paediatric Primary Care

Abstract Background The aim of this nationwide study was to investigate barriers to adequate professional interpreter use and to describe existing initiatives and identify key factors for successful interpreter policies in primary care, using Switzerland as a case study. Methods Adult and paediatric primary care providers were invited to participate in an online cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. All accredited regional interpreter agencies were contacted first by email and, in the absence of a reply, by mail and then by phone. Local as well as the national health authorities were asked about existing policies. Results 599 primary care physicians participated. Among other reasons, physicians identified cumbersome organization (58.7%), absent financial coverage (53.7%) and lack of knowledge on how to arrange interpreter interventions (44%) as main barriers. The odds of organising professional interpreters were 6.6-times higher with full financial coverage. Some agencies confirmed difficulties providing professional interpreters for certain languages at a timely manner. Degrees of coverage of professional interpreter costs (full coverage to none) and organization varied between regions resulting in different levels of unmet needs. Conclusions Professional interpreter use can be improved through the following points: increase awareness and knowledge of primary care providers on interpreter use and organization, ensure financial coverage, as well as address organizational aspects. Examples of successful interventions exist.

Predictors and Outcomes of Burnout Among Primary Care Providers in the United States: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 387-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cilgy M. Abraham ◽  
Katherine Zheng ◽  
Lusine Poghosyan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Practice Environment ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Designs

Primary care providers (PCPs) in the United States work in challenging environments and may be at risk for burnout. This article identifies the predictors and outcomes of burnout among PCPs in the United States. A comprehensive literature search of eight databases was conducted to identify studies investigating predictors or outcomes of PCP burnout. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklists for cross-sectional and cohort studies were used for quality appraisal. Overall, 21 studies met inclusion criteria, had sufficient quality, reported personal and/or organizational predictors of burnout, and described burnout outcomes at the patient, provider, or organizational level. Prevalence of PCP burnout ranged from 13.5% to 60%. The primary care practice environment was the most common predictor of PCP burnout. In conclusion, developing interventions to improve the practice environment may help reduce PCP burnout. Future studies using robust study designs and standardized instruments to consistently measure burnout are needed.

scholarly journals Semistructured interviewing in primary care research: a balance of relationship and rigour

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e000057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa DeJonckheere ◽  
Lisa M Vaughn
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Primary Care Research ◽  
Care Research ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

Semistructured in-depth interviews are commonly used in qualitative research and are the most frequent qualitative data source in health services research. This method typically consists of a dialogue between researcher and participant, guided by a flexible interview protocol and supplemented by follow-up questions, probes and comments. The method allows the researcher to collect open-ended data, to explore participant thoughts, feelings and beliefs about a particular topic and to delve deeply into personal and sometimes sensitive issues. The purpose of this article was to identify and describe the essential skills to designing and conducting semistructured interviews in family medicine and primary care research settings. We reviewed the literature on semistructured interviewing to identify key skills and components for using this method in family medicine and primary care research settings. Overall, semistructured interviewing requires both a relational focus and practice in the skills of facilitation. Skills include: (1) determining the purpose and scope of the study; (2) identifying participants; (3) considering ethical issues; (4) planning logistical aspects; (5) developing the interview guide; (6) establishing trust and rapport; (7) conducting the interview; (8) memoing and reflection; (9) analysing the data; (10) demonstrating the trustworthiness of the research; and (11) presenting findings in a paper or report. Semistructured interviews provide an effective and feasible research method for family physicians to conduct in primary care research settings. Researchers using semistructured interviews for data collection should take on a relational focus and consider the skills of interviewing to ensure quality. Semistructured interviewing can be a powerful tool for family physicians, primary care providers and other health services researchers to use to understand the thoughts, beliefs and experiences of individuals. Despite the utility, semistructured interviews can be intimidating and challenging for researchers not familiar with qualitative approaches. In order to elucidate this method, we provide practical guidance for researchers, including novice researchers and those with few resources, to use semistructured interviewing as a data collection strategy. We provide recommendations for the essential steps to follow in order to best implement semistructured interviews in family medicine and primary care research settings.

A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Assessment of Otolaryngology Knowledge Among Primary Care Trainees

2018 ◽  
Vol 127 (9) ◽  
pp. 631-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. O’Brien ◽  
Lane D. Squires ◽  
Aaron D. Robinson ◽  
Hassan Ramadan ◽  
Rodney Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
University Of California ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fourth Year Medical Students ◽  
Knowledge Deficits

Objectives: (1) Identify knowledge deficits in this cohort regarding basic conditions treated by an otolaryngologist. (2) Determine the training needs of these physicians regarding the care of the head and neck patient. Methods: This cross-sectional assessment used a 10-question, multiple-choice assessment administered to medical students and resident physicians at the University of California, Davis, University of California, San Francisco, and University of West Virginia in the departments of emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and otolaryngology. Results: The otolaryngology cohort scored an average of 93%, while all others scored 56%. There was no statistical difference in the results between fourth-year medical students and non-otolaryngology residents of any year. Only 16% of the primary care providers and students assessed felt comfortable with these conditions, and 86% (321/372) of the respondents desired increased education on these topics. Conclusion: This study identified significant knowledge gaps among non-otolaryngologists in the diagnosis and treatment of basic head and neck conditions. As a specialty, a greater focus should be placed on improving the familiarity of our primary care colleagues on these conditions.

scholarly journals Did the COVID-19 pandemic result in more family physicians stopping practice? Results from Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara Kiran ◽  
Michael E. Green ◽  
Fangyun C. Wu ◽  
Alexander Kopp ◽  
Lidija Latifovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Practice Patterns ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Absolute Number ◽  
Physician Practice ◽  
Physician Practice Patterns ◽  
Fee For Service ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Given

AbstractPurposeTo understand changes in family physician practice patterns and whether more family physicians stopped working during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years.MethodsWe analyzed administrative data from Ontario, Canada two ways: cross-sectional and longitudinal. First, we identified the percentage and characteristics of all family physicians who had a minimum of 50 billing days in 2019 but no billings during the first six months of the pandemic. Second, for each year from 2010 to 2020, we calculated the percentage of physicians who billed for services in the first quarter of the calendar year but submitted no bills between April and September of the given year.ResultsWe found 3.1% of physicians working in 2019 (N=385/12,247) reported no billings in the first six months of the pandemic. Compared with other family physicians, a higher portion were age 75 or older (13.0% vs. 3.4%, p<0.001), had fee-for-service reimbursement (38% vs 25%, p<0.001), and had a panel size under 500 patients (40% vs 25%, p<0.001). Between 2010 and 2019, an average of 1.6% of physicians who practiced in the first quarter had no billings in each of the second and third quarters of the calendar year compared to 3.0% in 2020 (p<0.001).ConclusionsApproximately twice as many family physicians stopped work in Ontario, Canada during COVID-19 compared to previous years, but the absolute number was small and those who did had smaller patient panels. More research is needed to understand the impact on primary care attachment and access to care.

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