Happy holidays from the PAFP! Dec. 20, 2019
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians would like to wish its members and supporters a joyful, healthy, and prosperous holiday season and New Year. We hope that 2019 was a banner year for you in practice, and we thank you deeply for all that you've provided your patients: kind, compassionate care. We'll be out of the office through Jan. 2. See you in the New Year!
Online CME: New webcasts available Dec. 19, 2019
In addition to excellent live CME programming, the PAFP offers free, on-demand continuing medical education webcasts. A new series of webcasts has just been made available, including clinically relevant, high-quality sessions on topics such as dodging pitfalls with patient dismissals, medical misinformation, and the anti-vaccine movement. Click here to get started!
Flu season hitting Pennsylvania hard Dec. 18, 2019
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) says the flu virus is widespread across the state. According to PennLive, DOH said there have been 6,938 confirmed influenza cases in 65 of 67 counties in Pennsylvania. So far, 144 people have been hospitalized associated with the flu, and seven have died. The flu was responsible for 133 deaths in the Keystone State last year.
Open enrollment extended for ACA plans Dec. 17, 2019
Patients who didn't make it onto HealthCare.gov to choose a new plan or change an existing one have a second chance. The deadline, originally scheduled for Dec. 15, has been extended to 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. NPR reports that's because of website glitches that caused enrollment issues. It's unknown how many users may have been affected by the website problems.
Two ways to save on March CME registration Dec. 16, 2019
The March 5-8 Hershey CME Conference, Annual Business Meeting and Research Day will be the last PAFP event eligible to redeem PAFP Membership Reward points. Even if you do not have 10 points to save $25 on your registration, if you attended the Bedford CME Conference, you can still save 5% off your March registration when you register by Dec. 31. Contact Lindsey Killian for details.
HealthCare.gov enrollment ends this weekend Dec. 13, 2019
Patients without health insurance are still able to enroll on HealthCare.gov - but the deadline to get coverage for 2020 is Dec. 15. This is also the deadline for re-enrollment or making changes to an existing 2020 plan. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports those who miss the enrollment period may not be able to sign up again until the following fall unless they have an approved "life event."
Statewide PDL to take effect Jan. 1, 2020 Dec. 12, 2019
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will implement a statewide preferred drug list (PDL) for the state’s medical assistance fee-for-service and managed care delivery systems on Jan. 1, 2020. All "non-preferred" medical assistance prescriptions will be subject to prior authorization. The PAFP encourages members to contact DHS with any questions or concerns.
Atlantic Health Partners offers additional savings Dec. 11, 2019
Atlantic Health Partners is a strong resource for PAFP members, offering the most favorable vaccine prices, terms, and purchasing support. Atlantic has expanded its program with the addition of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) vaccines, including options for practices interested in the GSK portfolio or for those just interested in using
Bexsero (Meningitis B vaccine). Click here for details.
Public health alert issued over mass overdose Dec. 10, 2019
Berks County authorities have issued a public health alert after a mass overdose event this weekend. According to PennLive, 12 overdoses - three of them fatal - were reported in Reading, West Reading, Exeter Township and Rockland Township between Friday and Sunday. Cocaine powder laced with an opioid, likely fentanyl, is believed to have contributed.
PAFP seeking awards nominations for 2020 Dec. 9, 2019
It's awards season at the PAFP, and we're looking for nominations for our annual Family Physician of the Year and Public Health Award! The nominees will be entirely chosen by you, so don't forget to nominate yourself or a colleague for these awards. Click here to nominate someone for Family Physician of the Year and here to nominate a physician for Public Health Award.
Pennsylvania ranks 28th in national health survey Dec. 6, 2019
Pennsylvania ranks 28th in a report that measures all 50 states on behaviors, the community and environment, clinical care and health outcomes. According to the York Daily Record, the United Health Foundation's latest America's Health Rankings report found Pennsylvania struggles with obesity and air pollution, and ranks 47th in drug-related deaths.
Pennsylvania may be heading into bad flu season Dec. 5, 2019
This flu season may be one of the worst in recent years in the Keystone State. According to Lehigh Valley Live, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 2,667 confirmed flu cases so far, the highest number the state’s seen at this point of the year over the past eight flu seasons. The flu has already claimed the lives of five Pennsylvanians, all of whom were 50 and older.
Medical student choice resolution introduced Dec. 4, 2019
A resolution on medical student choice in primary care has been introduced as House Resolution 625 by Rep. Paul Schemel. The resolution would direct the state to conduct a study on the efforts of medical schools to promote primary care, as well as look into the accuracy of medical schools’ reporting on the number of students who ultimately remain in primary care.
Consider the PAFP Foundation on Giving Tuesday Dec. 3, 2019
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. On this day of charity and goodwill, please consider making a donation to the PAFP Foundation. Through its innovative programs and initiatives, the PAFP Foundation keeps the future of family medicine alive and well in Pennsylvania!