Congrats to PAFP members in 'Top Physicians Under 40' June 28, 2019
The PAFP congratulates several of its members for their inclusion on the Pennsylvania Medical Society's (PAMED) 'Top Physicians Under 40' list: Leah Campbell, DO; Peter Din, DO; Andrea Heller, DO; Scott Heyl, MD; Tiffany Leonard, MD; Amy Maley, DO; Jyothi Patri, MD; Mylaina Sherwood, MD; Kristin Simmons, MD; Jillian Ventuzelo, DO; and Jason Woloski, MD. Way to go!
Commentary: Mentoring is key to expanding primary care pipeline June 27, 2019
Past PAFP President and current AAFP Board Member, Dennis Gingrich, MD, recently wrote about the ways in which mentorship plays a crucial role in the development of future family physicians. Not only does he make the case for more mentoring but provides valuable information about how to do so. Click here for article.
Pa. budget moves forward with residency expansion funding June 26, 2019
The budget process for the 2019-20 cycle is center stage and currently includes monies from which the PAFP family medicine residency expansion grant is funded. The PAFP has been advocating for full funding of the $4.5 million Primary Health Care Practitioner line item; the grant currently helps fund nine new family medicine residency slots within four different programs.
Watching closely: LBFC venue shopping hearing June 25, 2019
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) will hold two hearings on the impact of the proposed medical malpractice venue rule change on June 25 and June 26 in Harrisburg. The hearings start at 9 a.m. each day in the State Capitol, hearing room 8E-B. The Pa. Coalition for Civil Justice Reform will live-tweet from the hearing @paciviljustice.
Support family medicine in Pennsylvania: invest in PAFP-PAC June 24, 2019
You can make a tremendous impact on family medicine at the Pennsylvania Capitol by investing in the PAFP's Political Action Committee, the official PAC of family medicine in the Keystone State. Through individual donations, the PAFP-PAC supports candidates running for public office in Harrisburg. Ensure family medicine has a voice in government - make an investment today!
PAFP opposes MAT state registration/fee bill June 21, 2019
PAFP President Mary Stock Keister, MD today issued a letter to the chairs and members of the House Human Services Committee expressing our opposition to Senate Bill 675, which adds a registration system and fee on top of DEA certification and regulation. The bill passed the Senate this week. Members may wish to contact members of the committee urging opposition.
Low trust in vaccines 'a global crisis' June 20, 2019
While the scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of vaccines is overwhelming, a recent surge in vaccine-preventable diseases is taking a global toll. According to the BBC, experts say people avoiding vaccines, fueled by fear and misinformation, is one of the main causes of these diseases' resurgence. The U.S. measles outbreak currently stands at 1,044 cases.
Tell the Pa. House to oppose scope of practice legislation June 19, 2019
Senate Bill 25 seeks to remove the collaborative agreement requirements for CRNPs, contending the agreements are no longer necessary and restricting service to rural areas. The PAFP, along with all the other physician associations in Pennsylvania, opposes this legislation in the name of patient safety. Contact your representative and tell them to oppose SB 25 today.
Gov. Wolf signs sixth opioid disaster declaration renewal June 18, 2019
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has signed the sixth renewal of his opioid disaster declaration. The declaration was initially put in place in January of 2018. “I first signed the disaster declaration so the commonwealth would have every tool at its disposal to battle this health crisis and I have witnessed this collaborative effort grow and succeed,” said Wolf.
UPMC-Highmark consent decrees end June 30 June 17, 2019
A Commonwealth Court judge has ruled that consent decrees guiding the business relationship between health care giants Highmark and UPMC will end June 30, meaning Highmark members will lose access to UPMC at that time. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Attorney General Josh Shapiro will continue to pursue his case, despite the judge’s opinion.
Important changes made to CME registration process June 14, 2019
Important registration changes have been released in time for the Bedford CME Conference in November. Step-by-step instructions are available by clicking here. These changes are intended to make registration easier with consolidated and specific attendee types. Don't forget to register today for our November 8-10 CME conference at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort!
NP independence bill passes Pa. Senate June 13, 2019
Despite opposition from the physician community, the Senate Wednesday passed SB 25 by a vote of 44-6. This is the third time the bill has passed the Senate; it now moves to the House. The PAFP, along with all physician associations in the Commonwealth, opposes the measure in the name of patient safety. The PAFP will keep members updated on its House movement.
AAFP FMX - right in your back yard June 12, 2019
The 2019 AAFP Family Medicine Experience (FMX) will be held in Philadelphia, September 24-28. Don’t miss out on the AAFP’s largest annual family medicine event–right in our backyard! You and your peers will earn CME, be inspired by dynamic keynote presentations, and find patient care solutions to implement when you return to practice. Register today!
Judge set to rule on Highmark/UPMC dispute June 11, 2019
A Commonwealth Court judge will rule this week on whether the business relationship between health care giants Highmark and UPMC can be extended past its June 30 expiration date. According to the Associated Press, the attorney general's office wants the deal extended indefinitely, while UPMC wants the consent decree to end. The PAFP will provide updates as available.
Visit the PAFP's online Keystone Physician archive June 10, 2019
Did you know the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians hosts its past issues of Keystone Physician magazine online? You can catch up on all the news you missed, plus event coverage from past PAFP events, important and relevant compliance updates, and so much more. Click here to view the online Keystone Physician archive!
Registration now open for Bedford CME Conference June 7, 2019
Registration is now open for the PAFP's Bedford CME Conference at the beautiful Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pa. The November CME conference will continue PAFP's wellness and board review initiatives. Attendees can participate in dedicated exercise and wellness breaks and walking areas during the conference. Click here to register today!
Speak Out against scope of practice legislation June 6, 2019
The PAFP is urging members to use the AAFP's Speak Out tool to oppose Senate Bill 25 that would remove the collaborative agreements now mandated between a nurse practitioner and physicians. Pennsylvanians are currently assured that a relationship exists through written collaborative agreements. The PAFP opposes this legislation in the name of patient safety.
Pa. to operate its own insurance exchange? June 5, 2019
Pennsylvania is moving to take over the online health insurance exchange that's been operating for Affordable Care Act policies since 2014. According to the Associated Press, new legislation in the state House would create the authority for Pennsylvania to operate a state-based exchange. State officials say this would reduce insurance costs. A committee vote is expected Wednesday.
Save on PAFP CME with special discount! June 4, 2019
Remember to register for PAFP’s 3rd Annual Dermatology and Outdoor Medicine Conference at Lake Raystown located at Entriken, PA, Aug. 8-10. Click here to register today to earn over 16 CME credits. Members use promo code SUNNY19 for $145 per member and residents use promo code SUNNYCME to pay just $119 per resident through Friday, June 7!
U.S. measles outbreak now largest in 25 years June 3, 2019
The United States measles outbreak has broken a grim record: cases have reached the highest level in 25 years. In fact, according to the New York Times, there have been more cases through the first five months of 2019 than in the entirety of 1992, when the last large outbreak occurred. The outbreak is in part due to the spread of misinformation about vaccines.