Stay safe in frigid winter weather Jan. 31, 2019
Temperatures throughout Pennsylvania are hovering around zero with windchills well into the negatives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has some helpful tips on how to stay safe and healthy in this frigid winter weather, such as layering up, avoiding exertion, and being cautious about travel - including what to do if you get stranded in the cold and snow.
Patients fare better with primary care physicians: study Jan. 30, 2019
Primary care pays off. According to Becker's Hospital Review, a new study found U.S. patients who have a primary care physician reported a better patient experience and care access - and received significantly more high value services - than patients without primary care. The study in JAMA Internal Medicine determined policymakers should consider increasing investments in primary care.
Pacific Northwest measles outbreak spreads Jan. 28, 2019
A measles outbreak continues to spread in the Pacific Northwest, with with the number of confirmed cases near Portland growing to 31. The Associated Press reports people may have been exposed to the disease in more than three dozen places. The outbreak is being boosted by lower-than-normal vaccination rates in what has been called an "anti-vaccination hot spot."
PAFP reacts to proposed venue rule change Jan. 25, 2019
The PAFP has joined the outcry over the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Civil Procedural Rules Committee's proposal to allow medical liability lawsuits to move outside of the county where the alleged malpractice occurred. PAFP President David O'Gurek has penned a statement to the committee; members are encouraged to write, fax, or email the committee before Feb. 22.
Venue shopping could result in skyrocketing malpractice premiums Jan. 24, 2019
Pennsylvania's physicians are concerned a proposed rule change from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could mean skyrocketing malpractice premiums and barriers to patients' access to quality care. Physicians News Digest reports the rule would allow attorneys to move medical liability claims to counties that would award higher payoffs, a practice called "venue shopping."
The Gettysburg battlefield becomes your classroom Jan. 22, 2019
Experience a day like none other! This experiential segment of our combined PAFP and WellSpan Health CME Conference at the Wyndham Gettysburg, March 8-10 actually takes you out on the Gettysburg battlefield for a program about leadership. Space is limited to 35 participants. Click here for complete details and to register before the early bird rate ends on Friday, Feb. 1.
PAFP releases results of legislative priorities survey Jan. 18, 2019
When the PAFP unveiled its 2019-20 State Legislative Agenda, we invited members to help us prioritize our advocacy slate. Among issues like prior authorization and insurer credentialing, which are most important to family physicians in Pennsylvania? Click here to see the results of our survey, which will guide the PAFP's decision-making in Harrisburg through 2020.
Anti-vaccine movement a top health threat: WHO Jan. 17, 2019
As the anti-vaccine movement gains traction, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed vaccine hesitancy among its top global health threats of 2019, alongside the worldwide influenza pandemic, weak primary health care, climate change, and HIV. According to U.S. News & World Report, the WHO says vaccination prevents 2 to 3 million deaths per year.
Most Americans say U.S. health care is in crisis Jan. 16, 2019
The U.S. health care system is in trouble, according to the majority of Americans. Fortune Magazine reports 70 percent say the health care system either has "major problems" or is in a "state of crisis." Costs of care are a large reason for this: rising insurance premiums are a concern for 61 percent of Americans; nearly half are worry they won't be able to afford their care.
PAFP congratulates Gov. Tom Wolf on inauguration Jan. 15, 2019
On behalf of the more-than 5,000 physicians, residents, and student of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, the PAFP extends its congratulations and best wishes to Gov. Tom Wolf as he takes the oath of office today to begin his second term. The PAFP looks forward to continuing its work with the governor and his administration.
Americans likelier to die of opioids than on the road Jan. 14, 2019
Americans are now more likely to die of an opioid overdose than on the road. For years, vehicle crashes have been a leading cause of death in the United States, but NPR reports a new report on preventable deaths has found Americans have a 1 in 96 chance of dying from an opioid overdose, compared with a 1 in 103 chance of dying in a motor vehicle accident.
Drug overdose deaths skyrocket among women Jan. 11, 2019
In the midst of America's opioid epidemic, one demographic in particular is seeing a massive increase in drug overdose deaths - women. CNN reports the rates of death from drug overdoses among women has skyrocketed in recent years, according to new data; between 1999 and 2017, the drug overdose death rate among women aged 30 to 64 climbed more than 260 percent..
U.S. cancer rate in 25-year decline Jan. 10, 2019
The cancer rate in the United States has been declining for a quarter of a century. According to USA Today, a new study has found a 27 percent decline in the cancer rate over that period. The research from the American Cancer Society discovered there were approximately 2.6 million fewer cancer deaths since reaching a peak of 215 deaths per 100,000 people.
U.S. spends twice as much on health as developed peers Jan. 9, 2019
In spite of efforts to rein in health care costs, CNN reports the United States spends twice as much on health care as its peers in developed nations, equal to $9,892 per person in the U.S. And it's not because Americans use more medical services: drugs and services are more expensive, nurses and physicians are paid better, and hospital administration is costlier.
Opioid epidemic still rages in Pa., but... Jan. 8, 2019
The opioid epidemic continues to have a vast, destructive impact across Pennsylvania, but there are encouraging signs. PennLive reports efforts to combat the epidemic are leading to decreased deaths from opioids. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine says those numbers have yet to appear in figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Valuable tools available in PAFP's opioid resource center Jan. 7, 2019
The PAFP's brand new Pain Management and Opioid Misuse Resource Center is a comprehensive toolbox for family physicians in the wake of Pennsylvania's massive opioid epidemic. With information and education on how physicians can combat opioid use disorder, this resource center contains everything from overviews on various therapies to CME webcasts.
Get geared up for Gettysburg! Jan. 4, 2019
The PAFP's first CME conference of 2019 is quickly approaching! The Gettysburg CME Conference and 2019 Annual Meeting, March 7-10, is going to be an event full of excellent education, plus the PAFP's Annual Meeting, a PAFP-PAC event, Research Day, and some special events that will let attendees take in some fascinating history. Register for the conference today!
Will the flu hit Pa. hard in 2019? Jan. 3, 2019
Flu cases took an upward turn in Pennsylvania in mid-December, and PennLive reports that may mean a rough start to 2019. It's common for a "flu surge" to follow holiday gatherings and returns to work and school, and flu cases in Pennsylvania are following a similar trend to last flu season, which ended up being one of the worst flu seasons in a decade in the Keystone State.
Welcome to 2019 with the PAFP Jan. 2, 2019
It's a brand new year, and the PAFP is excited to get to work with its members in advocacy and education! The end of 2018 was a whirlwind for many, so check out the PAFP's 2019-20 state legislative agenda for details on what family physicians will be focusing on over the next year. For all the news and info you may have missed, log on to PAFP Connect to catch up!