Sepsis death rates declining in Pa. Sept. 30, 2019
Deaths from sepsis, the second most common reason for hospitalization in Pennsylvania last year, is on the decline. According to the Philly Voice, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said that while hospitalizations for the blood infection are on the rise, mortality rates have decreased because of better awareness and implementation of evidence-based interventions.
Join the PAFP in Bedford in November Sept. 27, 2019
The PAFP wraps up its year of in-depth, clinically relevant live education at its Bedford CME Conference, Nov. 8-10 at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. Attendees can participate in dedicated exercise and wellness breaks and walking areas during the conference. The board review focus for this conference is women's health. Register for this exciting conference today!
HB 533 passes House Health Committee Sept. 20, 2019
House Bill (HB) 533, "An Act providing for the use of certain credentialing applications and for credentialing requirements for health insurers; imposing penalties; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Insurance Department," has passed the House Health Committee. This PAFP-supported legislation would provide common-sense reforms to the physician credentialing process.
Speak Out: Don't let THCGME program expire Sept. 19, 2019
The THCGME program is set to expire Sept. 30 unless Congress acts to reauthorize the funding. The THCGME program is vital to addressing the shortage of primary care physicians and increases the number of physicians who serve in medically underserved and/or rural communities. Use the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) Speak Out tool to reach out to Congress!
Today is World Patient Safety Day Sept. 17, 2019
Today is World Patient Safety Day, the launch of a World Health Organization (WHO) global campaign to create awareness of patient safety and urge people to show their commitment to making health care safer. Adverse events due to unsafe care is likely one of the 10 leading causes of death and disability in the world. For more on patient safety, please click here.
Second measles case reported in Central Pa. Sept. 16, 2019
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed a second person with a suspected case of measles in York County. PennLive reports the first case, reported two weeks ago, affected sites in York and Hershey. Pennsylvania has recorded 14 cases of measles in 2019; more than 1,200 cases have been reported throughout the U.S. in the worst outbreak since 1992.
Follow the PAFP on social media Sept. 13, 2019
In addition to bringing you news and information on our website and in our Keystone Physician and Progress Notes publications, the PAFP is always active on social media with updates, breaking news alerts, photos from events, and much more. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest and greatest info in family medicine in Pennsylvania!
Majority of physicians now take part in an ACO Sept. 12, 2019
More physicians are taking part in accountable care organizations (ACOs). More than half of physicians - 53.8 percent - reported that their practice participated in at least one ACO type in 2018, according to a report by the American Medical Association (AMA). Solo physicians were least likely to participate, and just 11.1 percent of these physicians belonged to a medical home.
Fall 2019 issue of Keystone Physician released Sept. 11, 2019
The Fall 2019 issue of the PAFP's Keystone Physician magazine has just been released! Within the magazine, you'll find full-length features on the PAFP's 3rd Annual Dermatology and Outdoor Medicine CME Conference and AAFP National Conference, government affairs and legal and compliance updates, interviews, commentary, and much more! Click here to view it!
Wolf administration to distribute free naloxone Sept. 10, 2019
The Wolf administration has announced it will provide free naloxone to Pennsylvania residents at locations across the state later this month. According to the administration, distributions will take place at state health centers and county and municipal health departments on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Experts predict moderate to severe flu season Sept. 9, 2019
The United States should expect a moderate to severe flu season, experts forecast. According to the Washington Times, while the severity of influenza can be difficult to predict, the way the flu season has panned out in Australia - where confirmed flu cases and flu-related symptoms have been higher than usual - provides a clue about what the United States may weather.
Deaths from synthetic opioids rise tenfold Sept. 6, 2019
U.S. deaths from synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl, are on the rise. According to Medscape, a report from the research and analysis nonprofit Rand Corporation found deaths in the United States involving synthetic opioids increased from about 3,000 in 2013 to more than 30,000 in 2018. This type of drug is now involved in twice as many deaths as heroin.
Pa. to receive $56 million to fight overdose epidemic Sept. 5, 2019
Pennsylvania will receive nearly $56 million in grant money over the next three years to combat the opioid overdose epidemic. The new funding was announced Wednesday by the Trump Administration, reports FOX43. The administration says the funds will be used to advance the understanding of the opioid overdose epidemic and to scale-up prevention and response activities.
Students invited to join the Family Medicine Experience! Sept. 4, 2019
Students, join the Family Medicine Experience (FMX), the largest annual meeting of family physicians from across the country! The PAFP has arranged for a special track of FMX programming to be offered free to medical students. Your AAFP FMX schedule includes a curated list of CME sessions, Main Stage speakers, and special networking events just for you!
Flu season is coming, and it's time for the shot Sept. 3, 2019
September has only just arrived, but flu season is right around the corner, and it's time for patients to start thinking about getting the flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot by the end of October. For the latest information on the influenza vaccine, including who should get vaccinated, visit the CDC website.