Every year, articles are written about tactics to employ and take advantage of before year-end to save on taxes. However, the year 2017 is unique in that tax reform is being proposed right now…and will possibly be passed before the end of the year. The proposed tax plan recently released has a host of changes that, of course, makes some happy and others irate. As characteristic of proposed legislation, the initial release is just that: a starting point for discussion and debate. The final law, if it were to pass, will undergo changes both overtly and covertly via horse-trading in backroom deals and compromise.

Having had the opportunity to speak across the nation regarding the new Medicare quality payment program, I soon realized how emotionally charged our colleagues are about the concept of “one more thing.” One more thing…added to the list of all the other things we have to deal with or at least should deal with; but that, frankly, our profession isn’t dealing with. What am I talking about? Regulations that affect the healthcare industry, and we are in the crosshairs because we are health care professionals, defined as “physicians” in many states (including Medicare) and our practices are affected by it. This cold, hard fact rings true for many practices that have experienced post-payment audits and recoupments, HIPAA violations with fines and public reporting. 

*Member-Exclusive Content* Health care payment systems in the United States have come a long way from the traditional fee-for-service model that dominated in year’s past. Today, numerous new payment models have emerged that aim to increase cost efficiency and enhance value to patients. Following is a review of some of the most common and emerging systems today, including insights into pros and cons as well as answers to frequently asked questions. 

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