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January 29, 2014 | Issue 80 |
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Government Affairs
Wave of Retirements to Hit Pa. Senate, House
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The flurry of retirement announcements that began last month continues as many representatives and senators have announced their plans to not seek reelection in 2014. In the Senate, four long-term incumbents will not be running, while Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York) resigned Jan. 12. In the House, 12 members won’t be seeking reelection to the House, with three of them running for Senate instead. The list will likely grow as we approach the first day to circulate nomination petitions on Feb. 18. The primary election is Tuesday, May 20.
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Practice Advocacy
Verify Your Patients' Insurance Status in the New Year
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It’s the beginning of the New Year, which means it’s time to verify your patients’ insurance status. Many patients will have new insurance plans through the health insurance marketplace – and those who have just signed up may not have their insurance cards.
For verifying coverage, it is best to call the plan’s customer service line. A list of all plans and their customer service numbers can be found on this database. Also, here is a fact sheet for using the database.
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Education
One More Week for Hershey CME Conference Early Bird Discount |
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Register by next Wednesday, Feb. 5 and save $30 off your registration for the Hershey CME Conference . Don’t miss more than 18 hours of CME and more than 12 patient safety credits! The conference will include three special workshops in cooperation with Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center on blast mass casualty, sports medicine, and improved physician-patient communication, a SAM study group on asthma, and the 25th anniversary of Research Day. After a long day of CME, join your fellow members at the PAFP awards ceremony and reception, followed by a night of dinner and dancing.
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Public Health
Be Aware of Legal Obligations under Child Protective Services Law |
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The Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) training teaches what to look for and how to report suspected child abuse with an emphasis on the legal obligations of mandated reporters. SCAN is free, on-site, and designed for all office staff. Your office also receives a child abuse office kit. SCAN qualifies as risk management and patient safety CME.
Options: (1) 1.5 hours with reimbursement for lunch; (2) a 45-minute "express" presentation. To schedule a presentation, visit www.pascan.org or contact Joanne Gorgas at jgorgas@paaap.org. Please include the name of your practice, street address, and county.
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Quality Improvement
Important Deadline Approaching for Meaningful Users |
| For those participating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) EHR incentive program (meaningful use), a very important deadline is approaching. Whether you were within your calendar year or 90-day reporting period, you have until Feb. 28 to attest to CMS. Be sure to get your numbers in or you will miss out on your incentive payment. |
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Residents & Students
Two Days Left for Research Day Submissions, Awards Nominations |
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January is almost over, and you know what that means – Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and Research Day are right around the corner! You have two days left to submit an abstract for Research Day. This year is going to be big – it’s the 25th anniversary of the big event!
Jan. 31 is also the final day to submit a nomination for the Exemplary Teacher of the Year! Take the chance to honor a teacher who has had a profound effect on your medical education – maybe someday you’ll be nominated for the same honor!
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PAFP Education Survey: Your Response Requested
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PAFP active members: The PAFP Foundation strives to present quality CME programs. We would like to ask for two to three minutes of your time to click here and complete an education survey about CME programs you have attended or would like the PAFP to offer. Please tell us what we can do better and how we can help you achieve your educational goals. As a special thank-you for your time, all completed surveys will be entered into a drawing; one lucky member will win free PAFP state dues for 2014!
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Winter Storm Warning: What's Your Plan? |
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Winter storms are a great reminder to review disaster plans for your practice. The PAFP and Pa. Dept. of Health are evaluating the needs and capacity of primary care practices statewide related to disaster planning. Help us develop programs and tools to support you. Click here; the survey takes just five minutes! Please respond by February 28.
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