UPMC/Highmark agreement expiration date back to lower court May 31, 2019
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, in a 4-3 ruling, has deferred ruling on on contractual relations between Highmark and UPMC set to expire June 30, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said he has begun to prepare making the case before Commonwealth Court for an indefinite extension. The PAFP will provide updates as available.
Monitor legislative activity with the PAFP May 29, 2019
Want to know what the PAFP is working on at the Pennsylvania Capitol? The PAFP's 2019-20 State Legislative Advocacy webpage includes action alerts on issues pertinent to family physicians and the 2019-20 State Legislative Agenda detailing the latest on issues like prior authorization reform, scope of practice, and health insurer credentialing reform.
PAFP opioid resource center: a comprehensive toolbox May 28, 2019
The PAFP's Pain Management & Opioid Misuse Resource Center is a comprehensive toolbox of resources to help physicians combat the overdose crisis. It includes resources from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), state licensing requirements, and CME webcasts related to diagnosis, pain management, and chronic pain. Click here to view it.
All new CME webcast sessions are available now May 24, 2019
The PAFP offers a host of complimentary online CME on a variety of clinically relevant topics. All of the PAFP's CME webcasts meet the mandated Patient Safety requirement, and a number of webcasts meet mandated opioid education criteria. If you're looking for a quick, easy, and free way to nail down CME credits, check out our online CME archive!
Sen. Schwank announces vaccination legislation May 23, 2019
Sen. Judy Schwank held a press conference at Reading Tower Health on Friday, May 17 to announce legislation addressing school vaccinations. The bill would require a standardized form for requesting exemptions from vaccination requirements for school-age children and require a consultation with a physician. Click here to see a video of the event.
Summer is a key time to vaccinate and Atlantic Health Partners can help! May 22, 2019
Many toddlers through college age patients have their physician visits during the summer to prepare for the start of a new school year. Atlantic Health Partners is a strong resource for our members by offering most favorable vaccine prices, purchasing support and program management assistance. For details, contact Jeff or Cindy at 800-741-2044 or info@atlantichealthpartners.com.
Highmark, UPMC, Pa. AG head to court May 15, 2019
The Pa. Supreme Court is to hear arguments on May 16 in the case of extending the landmark Highmark/UPMC consent decree (TribLive) that granted certain patients access to both networks and insurers. The Pittsburgh-based dispute is a case of interest around the nation as the lines between provider networks and insurers blur in other regions and states.
Measles outbreak tops 830 across U.S. May 14, 2019
The U.S. measles outbreak continues to grow, with a total of 839 cases confirmed across 23 states, including Pennsylvania. According to The Hill, there have been 75 new cases in the past week as the outbreak inches toward the 1994 record of 963 cases. Some states have begun taking steps to limit exemptions for parents who don't want to vaccinate their children.
Pa. among states least likely to have physician shortage May 13, 2019
According to PennLive, a recent study has found Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states least likely to have a physician shortage. With 311.8 physicians per 100,000 residents, Pennsylvania - tied for eighth place with New York and Michigan - exceeds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recommendation of 283 physicians per 100,000 people.
More Americans lost health coverage in 2018 May 10, 2019
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports after several years of declines, the number of uninsured Americans increased in 2018 - up to about 30.4 million Americans from 29.3 million in the year 2017. According to USA Today, the CDC also reported the number of Americans in high-deductible plans reached an all-time high in 2018.
Catch up with the PAFP in Keystone Physician archive May 9, 2019
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians releases an issue of its Keystone Physician magazine quarterly, but did you know all past issues are archived online? Catch up with the PAFP! From government affairs and advocacy information, legal and compliance updates, and excellent event coverage, you can find it all on our extensive Keystone Physician archive.
Plurality of doctors belong to hospitals or groups May 8, 2019
A plurality of doctors now practice with a hospital system or a practice
owned by other physicians. According to Axios, a new survey from
the American Medical Association
has found that 47.4 percent of physicians are employed by a hospital system or group; 45.9 percent run their own practices. In 1983, 75.8 percent of
physicians practiced independently.
Family physicians to March for Moms in D.C. May 7, 2019
Family doctors around the nation are taking a stand to drive awareness for the March for Moms 3rd Advocacy Day on May 11 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The third annual event will feature fun and family-friendly experiences as March for Moms peacefully demonstrates the critical need to address the maternal health of families in the U.S. Click here for details.
Join us for dermatology, outdoor medicine CME May 6, 2019
Registration is now open for the PAFP's 3rd Annual Dermatology and Outdoor Medicine CME Conference! Enjoy the new Outdoor Medicine track if you're up for experiential learning, choose to stay indoors for the varied procedures workshops and dermatology-related sessions ... or do a little of both tracks! Lots of family activities available - click here to register.
Cocaine deaths up in the U.S. May 3, 2019
Cocaine deaths have risen in the U.S. - and the opioid epidemic is a part of the reason why. According to the Associated Press, cocaine overdose deaths have been rising since 2012; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says this is related to the larger overdose epidemic, as many overdose deaths involve someone who took several different drugs.
View photos from prior authorization rally May 2, 2019
Prior authorization and fail first reform is the top state legislative agenda item for PAFP members, and the PAFP is answering the call for change at the state Capitol. House Bill 1194 seeks to make several improvements the prior authorization and step therapy process. Check out photos from the April 30 rally at the Capitol rotunda right here on the PAFP's website.
Physicians groups rally for prior authorization reform May 1, 2019
The PAFP joined dozens of other physicians groups April 30 at the Capitol in support of prior authorization and fail first reform. House Bill 1194, to be introduced by Rep. Steve Mentzer, would make several improvements the prior authorization and step therapy process, resulting in more efficient patient care and less bureaucracy for plans under state jurisdiction.