Coming attractions: More must-read FPM in 2011

Even though it's only been a little over six months since we published our first issue of FiercePracticeManagement, as we compile our last issue of 2010, it's remarkable how much we've covered during such a short time.

Top of mind, of course, is health reform. Even without knowing what it ultimately will look like, you've already had to make changes to address how you'll care for the influx of newly insured patients and comply with numerous requirements of the law. The semi-blind decisions don't end there. Do you need to be part of an accountable care organization? A patient-centered medical home? Will you continue to accept Medicare--or any insurance at all?

As we forge into 2011, we at FPM will continue to keep you updated on these developments and more, while continuing to emphasize perennial practice management topics such as compliance, staffing, patient relations, office work flow, marketing, revenue cycle optimization, quality improvement and more.

At the same time, we'll be keeping an eye out for new ways practices are engaging patients, lowering costs and improving care--as well as upcoming threats, opportunities and concerns (which tend not to separate themselves neatly).

Here are just a few of the must-read pieces you can look forward to in early 2011:

• How to enhance revenue by adding a travel clinic to your practice
• What the hospital discharge process can teach physician practices about patient education
• Physicians' favorite (non-EMR) money-saving technologies

But the most important thing you should know before we depart for Fierce's annual publishing holiday next week is how much we appreciate your reading FPM and helping it take the shape that best serves you and your peers. You may have noticed over the past several months that I don't devote a lot of content to criticizing or pontificating on the state of today's medical practice environment, as some of my colleagues do exceptionally well. I won't promise there will never be exceptions; but, so far, I really don't see that as my role. Rather, I'll continue to keep you current on the realities today's physician practices are being asked to accept, and whenever possible, provide a translation of what this means for your to-do list.

And the best part of being an online publication is that it's particularly easy to keep the lines of communication wide open. Have an idea you think other practices should learn about? A topic you'd like to see covered? Questions you need answered? Drop me an email, leave a comment or connect on Twitter. I look forward to continuing to get to know you in the New Year.

Happy holidays! See you back here on Jan. 5. - Deb