Research Day 2020 call for abstracts open soon Oct. 31, 2019
Mark your calendar: the call for research abstracts opens Nov. 8! PAFP Research Day 2020 comes to Hershey Saturday, March 7 with original research posters and oral presentations by residents, students, fellows and faculty. Join the fun and win cash prizes! Researchers must also register for the Hershey CME Conference. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 24, 2020.
Nominate a role model for the Exemplary Teacher Award Oct. 30, 2019
Residents and students have a great opportunity to nominate that role model faculty mentor who has supported you along your path to
becoming the family physician you’ve always wanted to be! We’ve made it easy
for you to submit nominations with our new online form. Check it out by clicking here. The deadline to nominate is Jan. 24, 2020.
PAFP, physician groups rally for prior authorization reform Oct. 29, 2019
PAFP President Mary Stock Keister, MD joined representatives from other physician organizations at the Pennsylvania Capitol on Oct. 28 to push for prior authorization reform. “Patients deserve the right care at the right time, determined by their physicians, not by insurance companies," said Stock Keister. PAFP members say prior authorization reform is their top legislative priority.
The forward march of direct primary care Oct. 28, 2019
Incoming Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians CEO, Brent Ennis, was recently featured in a Morning Call article regarding the rise of direct primary care and how proposed legislation may clear a better path for this new model of payment. Ennis explains how a new bill in Harrisburg aims to keep government out of the relationship between family doctors and patients. Read more.
Health care system causes rampant burnout: report Oct. 25, 2019
The U.S. health care system is causing rampant burnout among physicians. According to the Washington Post, a new report from the National Academy of Medicine suggests as many as half of the country’s doctors and nurses experience substantial symptoms of burnout. That results in risks to patients, absenteeism, and billions of dollars in losses to the medical industry.
PAFP president testifies on statewide PDL Oct. 24, 2019
On Oct. 23, PAFP President Mary Stock Keister, MD testified before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on the preferred drug list (PDL) being proposed by the Dept. Of Human Services. Stock Keister said about 250,000 prescriptions will be affected by the change and that requiring prior authorization can affect both patients and providers.
Pennsylvanians want to keep collaborative agreements: poll Oct. 22, 2019
More than seven out of 10 Pennsylvanians want to keep collaborative agreements between nurse practitioners and physicians. According to a series of polls, which the PAFP partnered on with the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) and other physician organizations, a combined 73 percent supported keeping collaborative agreements. Click here for more info.
AAFP announces FMSOG program Oct. 21, 2019
The AAFP has announced details for its new Family Medicine Student Organization Grant Program (FMSOG). This program replaces the FMIG Funding Initiative and encourages student groups to work collaboratively to create change in their communities and think creatively about building opportunities for exposure to family medicine through innovative events and experiences.
Register today for MAT Regional Summits Oct. 18, 2019
Registration is now open - but closing soon - for MAT Regional Summits being convened by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Start your free MAT waiver training at the summit and bring your staff for an afternoon of free lunch and learning. Click here for information and dates and here to register.
Apply for a PAFP leadership position Oct. 17, 2019
The PAFP is currently seeking members to serve in various leadership positions, but you only have until Dec, 31, 2019. PAFP board and committee members serve as the infrastructure of the Academy, developing policy and making decisions that keep the organization at the forefront of the specialty. For details on how to apply, please see the latest issue of Progress Notes.
Statewide PDL to be implemented Oct. 16, 2019
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, all Medical Assistance prescriptions designated as “non-preferred” on the new Statewide PDL will be subject to prior authorization. The PAFP encourages members to contact your state senator and representative to express your concerns and the potential impact that implementation of the Statewide PDL will have on your patients. Click here for more info.
Opioid epidemic shifts to street drugs Oct. 15, 2019
The opioid epidemic is now in the midst of what experts call its "third wave." According to PolitiFact, the crisis - which was once driven by prescription drugs, then heroin - is now centered around synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. While deaths from heroin and painkillers leveled off at about 15,000 deaths a year, by 2017, the synthetic opioids were killing over 28,000.
HHS releases new guidance on opioids Oct. 11, 2019
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released new guidelines on helping patients cut back on opioids. According to the Washington Post, the guidance suggests slowly and deliberately reducing dosages and personalized care for each patient. HHS reports about 2 million people have been diagnosed with prescription opioid use disorder.
Today is World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, 2019
Today is recognized as World Mental Health Day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the overall objective of today is raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. The focus of World Mental Health Day 2019 is suicide prevention. Visit the WHO website for more information on this public health issue.
U.S. keeps measles elimination status Oct. 8, 2019
Despite the worst measles outbreak since 1992, the United States has kept its measles elimination status. According to Reuters, the U.S. recorded seven new cases of measles last week, bringing the total to 1,250. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that the U.S. has retained its designation as a country that has eliminated the disease.
Get free online CME through PAFP Oct. 7, 2019
In addition to the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians' excellent live CME events, the PAFP also offers free online CME! These convenient, on-demand webcasts meet the mandated patient safety requirement. Clinically relevant topics include medical misinformation, obesity, women's health, and much more. Click here to view the full online CME catalog!
DOH seeks physician input on Title V Block Grant Oct. 4, 2019
The Pa. Department of Health is seeking feedback from family physicians and other stakeholders on setting priorities for the state’s Maternal and Child Health Services and the federal Title V Block Grant administered by the commonwealth. PAFP members are invited to participate in two upcoming stakeholder meetings scheduled for Oct. 8 and Oct. 18 to provide feedback.
Last chance to win free 2020 dues Oct. 3, 2019
"Active” membership status physicians have the chance to win paid 2020 dues by completing an educational needs assessment, a brief questionnaire about what you want and need out of the PAFP's CME offerings. As a thank you for completing the survey, you will be entered into a drawing for free 2020 PAFP membership dues - a $375 value! The deadline is Oct. 6, 2019.
PAFP announces community outreach program Oct. 2, 2019
The PAFP is pleased to announce Last Line as its community outreach program for the Bedford CME Conference. Last Line is a veteran-owned organization that provides resources to other veterans suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Last Line is accepting donations to aid in the construction of “tiny home”-like structures to expand services to veterans.
Deadly mosquito-borne virus EEE hits Pa. Oct. 1, 2019
A potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus has arrived in Pennsylvania. According to The Morning Call, the eastern equine encephalitis virus, known as EEE, has killed seven people across the country this year and has been found in Monroe and Carbon counties. State health officials say the disease is rare and the likelihood of people in the area contracting it is low.