State House passes DPC bill unanimously Sept. 28, 2017
The Pa. House of Representatives has passed a bill in support of direct primary care, or DPC, in a 189-0 vote. House Bill (HB) 1739, sponsored by Rep. Matt Baker, would give patients and doctors the right to directly contract for care and recognize DPC arrangements as outside the scope of insurance regulations. |
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Pregnant women should get the flu shot Sept. 25, 2017
It's important that pregnant women get the flu shot, as flu symptoms during pregnancy can be more severe and may even threaten the mother's and the baby's lives, reports NPR. Women should talk to their doctors to determine the best timing to receive the vaccination based on the expectant mother's own circumstances. |
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News, education, and more in Keystone Physician Sept. 22, 2017
The PAFP has released the latest issue of its Keystone Physician magazine, containing news, education, event coverage, and other need-to-know information! Find out the latest on direct primary care legislation, see what PAFP members have been up to, and check out a monograph on fever and rash, and more! |
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Johnstown is Pennsylvania's unhealthiest city Sept. 21, 2017
The U.S. devotes more money to health care than any nation in the world, but still ranks poorly on key statistics like life expectancy. And some cities are less healthy than others. According to U.S. News & World Report, in healthy behavior and socioeconomic conditions, Johnstown is Pennsylvania's unhealthiest city. |
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41 states to investigate pharma companies over opioids Sept. 20, 2017
Pennsylvania and 40 other states will investigate pharmaceutical companies in the midst of the opioid epidemic. PennLive reports Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said he and other attorneys general will seek documents about drug companies' business practices; subpoenas have already been served.
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Doctors expect severe flu season Sept. 19, 2017
Doctors are expecting a worse-than-normal flu season. According to CBS Pittsburgh, other parts of the world have already experienced a severe season, which means the U.S. may too. Physicians say patients should not to wait to get the shot. As always, the CDC has the latest, greatest information about the flu vaccine. |
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Life expectancy is on the rise, but... Sept. 18, 2017
While life expectancy worldwide is increasing, violent deaths are becoming more commonplace. CNN reports a new study has found conflict, terrorism, and gun violence are claiming more lives, increasing 143 percent between 2006 and 2016. However, global life expectancy has increased nearly 20 years since 1970. |
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Changes coming to DOT exams Sept. 15, 2017
Changes are coming to the Department of Transportation exams for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. A proposed rule in the Federal Register now allows a family physician who prescribed a driver insulin and is knowledgeable about diabetes treatment to approve the driver to operate CMV. Click here for the details. |
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DPC bill moves forward in Pa. House Sept. 14, 2017
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives House Health Committee has unanimously voted to move forward a direct primary care (DPC) bill sponsored by the PAFP. House Bill 1739, known as the Medical Services Agreement Act, is sponsored by House Health Committee Chair Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga). |
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Big issues up for debate at AAFP COD Sept. 13, 2017
On Sept. 12, the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) Congress of Delegates (COD) discussed some of the big health care issues of the day. Medscape reports universal care and health care as a "right" was up for debate; the event continues today, including installation of Michael Munger, MD as president. |
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AAFP FMX kicks off in San Antonio Sept. 12, 2017
The American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) Family Medicine Experience conference, or FMX, kicked off today, comprising thousands of family physicians from across the country learning, interacting, and networking. The PAFP is there - follow the action on Twitter by using the hashtag #AAFPFMX. |
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PAFP observes the anniversary of 9/11 Sept. 11, 2017
Today is the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, which claimed the lives of 2,997 people. The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians remembers the victims today, as well as the first responders - firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, and others - who risked their lives to help them. |
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U.S. doctors admit overtreatment is too common Sept. 8, 2017
Most U.S. physicians believe that overtreatment is harmful, wasteful, and unfortunately common. The New York Times reports a survey of more than 2,100 physicians throughout the country found that malpractice concerns, patients demanding unnecessary treatment, and even profit are all factors in overtreatment. |
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Traditional opioids contributing less to OD deaths Sept. 6, 2017
As drug overdose deaths skyrocket, the usual suspects - prescription painkillers - are sharing less of the blame. Vox reports last year, synthetic opioids like fentanyl actually overtook both heroin and prescription painkillers in terms of overdose deaths. The opioid epidemic is America's deadliest overdose crisis ever. |
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Fall is on the way - and that means flu season Sept. 5, 2017
Yes, the temperature is dropping, the kids are back in school - that means flu season is right around the corner! As NPR reports, doctors still say the flu shot is the best way to prevent the seasonal flu. Before you ask your patients for their arm, arm them with the facts: the CDC assures the flu shot is safe and effective. |
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