Help the PAFP refine its CME offerings Oct. 31, 2017
The PAFP strives to keep members up to date with timely, relevant, high-quality educational programming. Please let us know how we're doing! Click here to take a short four-minute survey on the PAFP's educational offerings to help us better meet your continuing medical education needs. All feedback is anonymous. |
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Health law sign-ups begin Oct. 30, 2017
Enrollment season has begun for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. It's the first sign-up period under the new Republican administration. The Associated Press reports subsidized customers have incentives to return, but as premiums rise, it's unclear how many new, healthy, young Americans will want to enroll. |
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Last chance: special room rate for Reading CME Oct. 27, 2017
The special room rate at the DoubleTree by Hilton for the PAFP's Reading CME Conference (Nov. 17-19) is a limited time offer! The discount price of $139 per night is good if you book by this coming Monday, Oct. 30. Click here for a reservation, and don't forget to register for our exciting CME weekend if you haven't yet! |
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New model predicts moderate flu season Oct. 26, 2017
It's flu season, and this year is shaping up to be an above-average one for the influenza virus. Medscape reports a model which accurately predicted the severity of last year's outbreak is forecasting that the 2017-2018 flu season will not be as severe as last year's. Nevertheless, the message is clear: get the flu shot! |
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Unnecessary health services drive up costs Oct. 25, 2017
A sizable portion of medical services like tests and prescriptions are driving up U.S. health care costs. According to Healthline, a recent survey suggests the reasons for these low-value and unnecessary services include demanding patients, overworked doctors, and a fear of medical malpractice lawsuits. |
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PAFP protests IBC payment cuts Oct. 24, 2017
In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED), the PAFP has opposed a new policy by Independence Blue Cross (IBC). The insurer's Modifier 25 payment policy reduces physician reimbursement, adversely affecting patient care and "whole person" treatment. Contact Brent Ennis to sound off on this policy. |
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Consider joining PAFP's leadership team Oct. 23, 2017
The PAFP is currently seeking applicants to serve in various leadership positions. PAFP board and committee are the infrastructure of the Academy, developing policy and making decisions that keep the organization at the forefront of the specialty. If you're interested, please click here to apply. |
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Number of uninsured adults rises in U.S. Oct. 20, 2017
The uninsured rate among adults in the United States is rising as premiums increase and Congress battles over health care. The Associated Press reports nearly 3.5 million fewer adults are insured so far this year, a jump of 1.4 percentage points. Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) enrollment begins Nov. 1. |
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PAFP supports POLST legislation Oct. 19, 2017
The PAFP supports newly introduced legislation to codify Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) across all health care settings. Senate Bill (SB) 623 and House Bill (HB) 1196 would authorize a POLST form by law, as a medical order, that may be used to designate a patient's end-of-life wishes. |
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Most Pennsylvanians have private insurance Oct. 18, 2017
The majority of Pennsylvanians have private health insurance coverage, according to an insurance trade association. America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) reports 60 percent of Pennsylvanians are covered by private insurance; an additional 34 percent are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, with 6 percent uninsured. |
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Early bird rate for Reading CME ending soon Oct. 17, 2017
Tomorrow, Oct. 18, is your last chance to receive the early bird rate of $249 for the PAFP's Reading CME Conference - a $30 savings! Click here to register; you can also view the agenda and begin planning for the weekend, Nov. 17-19. Discounted rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are available through Friday, Oct. 20. |
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Health care denials are increasing Oct. 16, 2017
Americans are increasingly being denied treatments because of techniques like prior authorization which limits a patient's options. The Detroit Times reports insurance companies have increased their use of certain methods that are designed to save money but can sometimes result in negative health care outcomes. |
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U.S. obesity epidemic hits record high Oct. 13, 2017
America's obesity epidemic has reached a new high. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 40 percent of adults and nearly 20 percent of adolescents are now obese. NBC News reports overall, more than 7 in 10 Americans is either obese or overweight. |
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Gov. Wolf signs 'Right to Try' legislation Oct. 12, 2017
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has signed House Bill 45, also known as the "Right to Try" bill. This legislation, which unanimously passed both the state House and Senate, would give terminally ill patients the opportunity to seek experimental treatments not yet fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. |
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PAFP, AAFP partner on vaccines project Oct. 11, 2017
The PAFP is partnering with the American Academy of Family Physicians on Highlight on Vaccinations 4 Teens, a project to increase teen vaccination rates. The project specifically focuses on the four vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Tdap, HPV, flu, and meningitis. |
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Today is World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, 2017
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Tuesday, Oct. 10 as World Mental Health Day 2017. This year, the organization is focusing on mental health in the workplace. Depression and anxiety, two of the most common mental illnesses, are responsible $1 trillion in lost productivity worldwide. Learn more here! |
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PAFP applauds House action on DPC Oct. 6, 2017
PAFP President Ed Zurad, MD praised the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its unanimous support of House Bill 1739, which would improve access to direct primary care (DPC). "We expect the model to grow in response to high out-of-pocket deductibles now faced by many in Pennsylvania," said Zurad. |
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'Right to Try' legislation headed to governor's desk Oct. 5, 2017
Legislation that would give terminally ill patients the opportunity to seek experimental treatment is awaiting Gov. Tom Wolf's signature after passing the state House unanimously. PennLive reports the "Right to Try" bill would allow access to treatments not yet fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. |
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Learn about prevention during National Primary Care Week Oct. 4, 2017
We are in the midst of National Primary Care Week! This year's celebration of primary care focuses on preventive medicine and health maintenance. There are plenty of events going on, including an online "Ask Me Anything About Family Medicine" chat with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) tonight! |
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Don't forget to register for Reading CME Conference Oct. 3, 2017
Can you believe the Reading CME Conference is coming up next month? Brought to you by the PAFP and Reading Health System, attendees will enjoy more than 18 CME credits, a dozen patient safety credits, clinically relevant sessions, excellent entertainment, and more! Register today - we'll see you in November! |
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HHS Secretary Tom Price resigns Oct. 2, 2017
Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price has resigned. According to the New York Times, Price was under pressure for taking chartered flights for official travel to the tune of $400,000 instead of taking commercial flights according to travel policy. It is unknown who will replace Price in the role. |
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