Visit the PAFP Pain Management & Opioid Misuse Resource Center Aug. 30, 2019
The PAFP's Pain Management & Opioid Misuse Resource Center is a comprehensive toolbox of information, education, and more to aid Pennsylvania's family physicians in the midst of the overdose epidemic. It includes resources from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), state licensing requirements, and CME webcasts. Click here to view it.
Health care spending on the rise in Pennsylvania Aug. 29, 2019
Average health care spending per person in Pennsylvania is on the rise. According to research by The SeniorList, Pennsylvania ranks 20th in the United States in annual health care spending per person, at $5,696. And Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the highest percentage increase in annual health care spending per person at an increase of 22.7 percent.
Don't forget to join us for AAFP FMX Aug. 28, 2019
This year, the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) Family Medicine Experience (FMX) - its largest annual family medicine event - is right in our back yard in Philadelphia! Gather with your peers to earn CME, experience dynamic and inspiring presentations, and find patient care solutions to implement when you return to practice. Register for FMX today!
Measles cases in U.S. top 1,200 Aug. 27, 2019
Twelve more measles cases recorded last week brings the 2019 total to 1,215 across 30 states. According to Reuters, this marks the worst measles outbreak in the United States since 1992. While the disease was eliminated in 2000, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn the U.S. risks losing its measles elimination status if the outbreak continues.
Register today for Bedford CME Conference Aug. 23, 2019
The final CME conference of the year is sure to be one of the best – the Bedford CME Conference is coming your way Nov. 8-10 at the beautiful Omni Bedford Springs Resort! The conference will continue PAFP's wellness and board review initiatives, including dedicated exercise and wellness breaks and walking areas during the conference. Click here to register!
Pa. Dept. of Health conducting Lyme disease survey Aug. 22, 2019
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is conducting a survey of health care providers in Pennsylvania to better understand the scope of Lyme disease related health care visits and to gain a better understanding of current Lyme disease treatment practices. Click here to take the survey; If you have any questions, please contact Leah Lind at llind@pa.gov.
New child vaccination legislation introduced Aug. 21, 2019
State lawmakers say new legislation will promote childhood immunizations in Pennsylvania. According to WTAE, Rep. Dan Frankel says his bill would require parents who decide not to vaccinate their kids to meet with a doctor annually. Under current law, a parent needs to sign a document once for a religious or philosophical exemption from receiving childhood vaccines.
'Cadillac Tax' to be repealed? Aug. 20, 2019
One of the most unpopular parts of the Affordable Care Act may be set for a repeal. According to NPR, the 40 percent tax on the most generous employer-provided health insurance plans was controversial because employers were expected to cut benefits to avoid the tax. The House has voted overwhelmingly to repeal the tax; a Senate bill is expected to pass as well.
Visit the PAFP opioid resource center Aug. 15, 2019
To combat the overdose crisis, the PAFP has assembled the Pain Management & Opioid Misuse Resource Center. This comprehensive toolbox includes resources from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), state licensing requirements, and CME webcasts related to diagnosis, pain management, and chronic pain. Click here to view it.
When you think politics, think PAFP-PAC Aug. 14, 2019
The media is already in a frenzy over the 2020 election as campaigning heats up. Right now in 2019, you can make an impact on family medicine by investing in the PAFP's Political Action Committee, the official PAC of family medicine in Pennsylvania. Through individual donations, the PAFP-PAC supports candidates running for public office in Harrisburg. Make an investment today!
2 Pa. health systems to merge Aug. 6, 2019
Butler Health System and Clarion Health System have signed an agreement to merge. According to Becker's Hospital Review, the systems entered into the agreement about five months after signing a letter of intent to explore a merger. Regulatory approval is pending. Clarion has four affiliates including a 70-bed hospital; Butler includes the 326-bed Butler Memorial Hospital.
Wolf administration shares Pa. opioid update Aug. 2, 2019
Gov. Tom Wolf has announced the number of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania was 18 percent lower in 2018 than in 2017. However, he said, the increase in overdose deaths from other drugs means that Pennsylvania must continue fighting the substance abuse epidemic. The administration also announced additional naloxone giveaway events to take place in September.
Trump administration moves on cost transparency Aug. 1, 2019
The Trump administration has proposed new rules that would help patients shop for the best prices on health care services and drugs. According to Kaiser Health News, the rules would provide consumers with far more information on what hospitals charge insurers. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, hospitals would be required to post the prices they negotiate with every insurer.