On July 18, 2019, a small group of vetted GAFP members gathered in Gainesville, GA set on a course to become a thriving independent practice. Member practices participated in the inaugural session of Thrive, a GAFP transformation project that focuses on helping family medicine practices increase reimbursements by identifying under-used codes and procedures. Family physicians, along with their core billing team, had the opportunity to receive individualized rapid cycle improvement guidance from industry experts. The Thrive team consisted of GAFP partner and coding expert, Steve Adams of InHealth Professional services, who led discussions on hidden codes and documentation. Bob Addleton, EdD and Adele Cohen, MS of Leadership in Practice mentored individual practices on developing rapid cycle improvement plans, which when implemented will transform the practice into a thriving facility. In addition, GAFP Director of Education, Felicia Kenan, MPA, CMP was on-hand to provide direction related to utilizing this project for a self-directed study for ABFM Part IV maintenance of certification.
Aside from unmasking medical codes and documentation procedures that will lead to improved billing practices, participants are eligible to receive up to 10 prescribed credit(s) by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Upon completion of the full improvement plan activity, diplomates may submit the activity to ABFM to qualify for 20 activity points as an approved Part IV- Self-Directed Performance Improvement Activity. Participants will convene again on September 12 to present final improvement plans and to discuss how to sustain and maintain practice changes.
The next cohort of the Thrive initiative is scheduled to commence on October 3 in Macon, GA. There are still opportunities for member practices to participate. Interested members may register online by clicking here.
If you missed the opportunity to participate in the pilot Thrive project, be on the lookout for Thrive 2020 information at the 2019 Annual Fall meeting.