Pa. Gov. Wolf announces partnership to forecast opioid epidemic March 28, 2018
Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf has announced a partnership between the state and the University of Pittsburgh to help researchers determine what's effective in combating Pennsylvania's opioid epidemic. According to TribLive, a "clearing house" of opioid data will be made available for university researchers to use similar techniques to forecasting disease outbreaks to monitor the crisis.
Florida governor signs DPC bill March 27, 2018
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has signed a measure amending the state insurance code to clarify that direct primary care (DPC) agreements do not violate insurance laws, according to WLRN. Florida is the 24th state to have enacted a DPC law. Pennsylvania legislation in the works would define and protect DPC arrangements; click here to use the AAFP's Speak Out tool in support.
Most patients forget their doctor's instructions: study March 26, 2018
In order for a patient to be compliant, they need to remember what their doctor said, but a recent study suggests most patients forget these recommendations and treatments. Becker's Hospital Review reports 51 percent of patients fail to recall their physician's instructions, partly due to a lack of patient participation during visits and ineffective written communications after the visit.
Medical marijuana research coming to Pa. March 23, 2018
In addition to Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program doubling in size with an expansion of cannabis producers and dispensaries, Philly.com reports a new research effort is under way. Eight medical schools affiliated with urgent care hospitals will conduct studies on medicinal applications; due to federal restrictions, researchers will not handle cannabis or marijuana products.
Calling all resident and student leaders March 22, 2018
The PAFP values its resident and student leaders - here's your chance to get involved! PAFP resident and student assemblies and elections are conducted via webinar. Please review the elected positions for residents and students and learn more about the PAFP leadership structure to determine which opportunities best suit your interests. See the latest issue of Progress Notes for details!
Stay warm and safe during spring snowstorm March 21, 2018
It may officially be spring, but winter is roaring through Pennsylvania, with snow expected to blanket much of the state throughout the day - up to 18 inches in some areas. Be safe! The American Red Cross recommends to wear warm clothes, eat regularly, stay hydrated, bring all pets indoors, conserve fuel, and always check on senior or solo neighbors to make sure they're safe as well.
Patient cost of Pa. medical marijuana becomes clearer March 20, 2018
As medical marijuana products become more available throughout Pennsylvania, it's becoming more evident that the cost may be prohibitive to some patients. According to the Associated Press, some consumers claim they'd get a better price for the treatments in the unregulated market; experts say they expect the prices of the products to stabilize as more dispensaries open shop.
PAFP president treats opioid use disorder, restores hope March 19, 2018
Newly installed PAFP President David O'Gurek, MD has penned an op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer about the value of, and compassion in, providing medication-assisted therapy (MAT) to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). O'Gurek notes that while the treatment has proven safe and effective, only a small percentage of physicians possess a waiver to deliver this care.