Opioid makers cutting back on payments to doctors June 28, 2018
Pharmaceutical company payments to physicians related to opioids are on the decline, an important trend in the effort to combat the opioid overdose crisis. ProPublica reports in 2016, payments to doctors from drug makers for speaking, travel, and other activities related to opioids declined by 33 percent. These payments have been linked to more opioid prescribing.
AAFP calls on physicians to help patients confront bullying June 27, 2018
While bullying can happen anywhere and any time, and the experience can have long-lasting, devastating effects on people of all ages, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, bullying can especially harm children in their formative years. Family physicians can help address and identify the devastating effects of bullying, like anxiety, depression, and injury.
In a first, FDA approves cannabis-based drug June 26, 2018
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a cannabis-derived medication for the first time. According to CNN, an advisory committee has given the green light to Epidiolex, a twice-daily oral solution that treats two types of epilepsy. The drug uses cannabidiol (CBD), one of more than 80 active cannabinoid chemicals, that does not produce a high.
Ticks that cause red meat allergies spread to Pa. June 25, 2018
A new breed of tick has invaded Pennsylvania, and while it doesn't cause Lyme disease, NPR reports its bite can cause severe allergies to red meat. Just 10 years ago, there were only a few dozen known cases of this condition, but it has increased dramatically over the past decade as the Lone Star tick has spread from the Southeast to every state on the East Coast.
PAFP pushes DPC bill, optimistic it will retain key goals June 22, 2018
With the state legislature scheduled to conclude for the summer on June 30, the PAFP is working to advance the Direct Primary Care (DPC) Authorization Bill, Senate Bill (SB) 926. The bill will likely be amended, yet we remain optimistic that it will retain its key goals. Members may help through utilizing SpeakOut or by distributing our new DPC Legislative Brief.
Enroll today in ABFM PRIME Registry June 21, 2018
Board-certified members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians are invited to enroll in the ABFM PRIME Registry™ free for the first three years! PRIME Registry is a practice and population data tool that safely extracts patient data from your electronic health records (EHRs) and turns it into actionable measures. Click here for complete details!
What do family physicians earn by region, specialty? June 20, 2018
Demand for family physicians remains strong as income offers rise - but, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), incomes differ by region and specialty. Physicians in the Northeast make less at $226,000 than doctors in all other regions; by specialty, academics make the least ($218,500) while solo practitioners earn the most ($312,000).
Join the PAFP for fall fun and CME at Nemacolin June 18, 2018
Join us at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for fall fun and excellent education Nov. 2-4! The conference will offer more than 15 CME hours, including mandated opioid education and at least 12 qualifying CME hours of patient safety. We'll be introducing the new, exciting PAFP Leadership Institute, and you won't want to miss Dan Diamond, MD, our special guest speaker ! Register today!
In case you missed it ... check out PAFP Connect June 15, 2018
PAFP Connect, the PAFP's members-only social media platform, brings you exclusive news you won't find anywhere else! On Fridays, the Weekly Wrap-up ICYMI feature gathers the biggest headlines from within and outside of the PAFP that you may have missed, along with some brand new information. Check the app out on Android and iOS (Apple) devices!
DHS to 'carefully consider' value-based proposals June 14, 2018
In a letter to the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, the Pa. Dept. of Human Services (DHS) has addressed value-based delivery. In specific, the department said it would 'carefully consider' the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) Advanced Primary Care Alternative Payment Model as it strives to improve patient outcomes while reducing costs.
Patients beginning to receive new Medicare cards June 13, 2018
Patients enrolled in Medicare will soon be receiving new Medicare cards that will remove the member's social security number to combat identity theft, which often targets this population. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed special language to help patients understand this change and why it is being made. Please click here for more information.
PAFP, HHS discuss opioids, payments, more June 12, 2018
The PAFP recently met with Dept. of Health and Human Services Region III Director and former Rep. Matt Baker to share our perspectives on HHS top priorities such as the opioid crisis and value-based payments. The PAFP also encouraged reconsideration of the administration's position on pre-existing conditions. See tomorrow's issue of Progress Notes for details!
Pa. has highest number of Lyme disease cases in U.S. June 11, 2018
Pennsylvania holds the dubious distinction of leading the nation in Lyme disease cases. Reports are up drastically - in fact, according to CBS Philly, there are more cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania than there are in the next four states combined. For information on Lyme disease, please visit the Pa. Dept. of Health's Lyme disease resource center.
PAFP advocacy is fighting for family medicine June 8, 2018
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians' advocacy team is always fighting for family medicine in Pennsylvania, on issues ranging from prior authorization to prescribing practices. Recently, the PAFP has been championing legislation that will improve access to direct primary care (DPC); view the PAFP's legislative brief on the issue to learn more.
Suicide rates dramatically increase in U.S., Pa. June 7, 2018
Suicides in America are on a drastic rise, climbing in nearly every state over the past two decades and accounting for more than 45,000 deaths in 2016. According to NPR, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports half of the states have seen rates increase by more than 30 percent. The Morning Call reports Pennsylvania's rate increased by 34 percent.
Health care costs skyrocket for family of 4 June 6, 2018
A family of four in America insured by the most common health plan offered by employers will cost a staggering $28,166, including costs paid by the employer, copays, and deductibles. While USA Today reports health costs are increasing at the lowest rate over the past 20 years, the health care costs for an average family are still increasing about $100 every month.
Opioid epidemic outpacing the resources devoted to it June 5, 2018
More startling statistics from the opioid epidemic: in 2016, one in five deaths among Americans between the ages of 24 and 35 was due to opioids. That's up from just 4 percent in 2001. The Atlantic reports it's another figure demonstrating the opioid epidemic continues in full force, although it's prompted less of a public health response than other emergencies have.
Pa. campaign pushes to insure undocumented children June 4, 2018
An estimated 24,000 children in Pennsylvania are undocumented and lack health insurance coverage, but WHYY reports they may be covered thanks to a new campaign. While some urban clinics and federally qualified health centers treat many children regardless of immigration status, the Dream Care Initiative would ensure them access to ongoing, coordinated care.
Join ABFM PRIME Registry free for 3 years June 1, 2018
The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is inviting board-certified family physicians to enroll in its PRIME Registry free for the first three years. PRIME Registry is a practice and population data tool developed by the ABFM that safely extracts patient data from electronic health records and turns it into actionable measures. For more details on this program, please click here.