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BUDGET UPDATE
On June 30, Gov. Tom Corbett signed Pennsylvania’s 2011-12 budget. The $27.15 billion budget was on time and without tax increases. Approximately $1 million was retained for the Chronic Care Initiative, reduced only minimally. The PAFP applauds Gov. Corbett and the General Assembly for their continued support of this important program, which provides high-quality, cost-effective care to patients with chronic diseases.
FAIR CONTRACTING LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Delaware) has introduced legislation that will establish the Fair Health Care Provider Contracting Act, enacting fair contracting standards for physicians when contracting with the Pennsylvania Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and their affiliates. House Bill 1763 was introduced in cooperation with the PAFP, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED), the Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society (POS) and other physician organizations. The language mirrors the key policies in several legal settlement agreements – commonly known as the Blues Class Action Settlement or “Love decision” – between Pennsylvania physicians and each of the four Blues plans in the Commonwealth.
AMENDMENT TO HIV TESTING LAW APPROVED BY GOVERNOR
Legislation that amends the Confidentiality of HIV-related Information Act has been signed into law by Gov. Corbett. Senate Bill 260 makes HIV testing a routine part of general medical care and allows patients to opt out of testing. Informed consent and pre-test information must be documented by the provider. Post-test counseling must be offered to patients who test positive.
FAIR SHARE ACT
Senate Bill 1131, the Fair Share Act legislation, which would abolish the doctrine of joint and several liability in most instances, has been signed into law by Gov. Corbett.
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION
Legislation that sets standards for managing concussions and head injuries in youth sports has been passed in the Senate and awaits consideration in the House. Senate Bill 200, introduced by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), requires that students, parents and coaches receive educational materials about the dangers of head injuries and concussions and identifies “appropriate medical professionals” – licensed physicians, certified athletic trainers or licensed psychologists – as the only people who may authorize a student to return to play.
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CME & EVENTS CALENDAR
Click here for Live CME conferences and SAM Study Groups.
REGIONAL LECTURE SERIES
The Regional Lecture Series is coming to a location near you! Improving Diabetes Care Using the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is free CME for PAFP members and one practice staff member – meal included! Six dates, six locations. Click here to register and for more information.
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GOOD LUCK, SKYLAR!
The Pennsylvania Tar Wars Poster Contest Winner – fourth-grader Skylar Miller from Berks County – will compete today (July 12) in the National Tar Wars Poster Contest in Washington, D.C. Help us to wish her good luck! After receiving advocacy training from Tobacco Free Kids, Skylar will take her tobacco-free living message to Capitol Hill. Check out the latest Keystone Physician for more on Skylar and read the next Progress Notes for an update on her visits with legislators. And don’t forget to check out her poster!
SHOUT OUT TO MADDIE FROM BEAVER COUNTY!
Maddie Cronin, a fifth-grader from Beaver County, tells kids to “Kick the Temptation!” in her soccer-themed poster that took second place in the statewide Pennsylvania Tar Wars Poster Contest. Special thanks to our presenters who reach out to kids with a “live tobacco-free” message and inspire these winning posters.
NEW! WORKING WITH SUICIDAL YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES IN PRIMARY CARE
Wednesday, Aug. 10, noon until 1 p.m. • Live online webcast – register today!
Primary care physicians are often the last professionals to see suicide victims alive. While most suicidal youth do not explicitly state a desire to die to their family physicians, recognizing warning signs associated with suicide risk is critical in the delivery of life-saving interventions. Learn more and register today.
NEW! EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF PAD IN PRIMARY CARE
Tuesday, Sept. 20, noon until 1 p.m. • Live online webcast – register here today!
Patients with ischaemic vascular disease (IVD) usually have diseased arteries throughout their bodies. In fact, prevalence of PAD among patients with CHD is 16 percent. Undiagnosed and untreated, PAD diminishes quality of life and carries a high risk of death.
1. Know the risk factors.
2. Have a plan to screen.
3. Follow the guidelines to treat and manage PAD.
COMING SOON! CME ARTICLE ON RECOGNITION AND REPORTING OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Watch for a Keystone Physician magazine supplement in July with a CME article on recognition and reporting of child sexual abuse. This article will come separately.
In this month’s magazine:
• A tip sheet on concussion and the young athlete. What are the guidelines for return to play?
• A CME article on immunization. Read this article to get the latest updates and be familiar with recommendations. Case-based scenarios reflect common issues in your practice!
• A tip sheet on ADHD in college-age patients.
Click here for public health information and CME in Keystone Physician.
Click here for plenty of other CME on the PAFP website, most of which qualifies as patient safety.
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INCENTIVE MONEY FLOWING WITH PA REACH ASSISTANCE
On April 20, Fredericksburg Community Health Center was among the first practice in Pennsylvania to attest and certify Meaningful Use in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program. Nine weeks later, three FCHC physicians had received Stage 1 incentive payments.
Program registration for Medicaid opened on June 6. This week, Meadville Pediatrics is expected to receive its incentive payment – a turnaround of less than four weeks, indicating the program’s secure structure and integrity.
Check out more practices that have attested, and email us for more information!
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AS ENROLLMENT INCREASES, MANY MEDICAL SCHOOLS BOOST PRIMARY CARE
“The news is particularly good for family medicine and primary care. Seventy-five percent of the medical schools questioned have current or future plans to institute programs or policies to encourage student interest in primary care, including new or expanded elective clinical rotations, refined admissions criteria, modified required clinical rotations, modified preclinical curriculum, expanded primary care faculty and/or resources, and new or expanded extracurricular opportunities.” Check it out here!
CONGRATS!
Congratulations to Penn State FMIG, recognized as one of the AAFP’s 2012 Programs of Excellence!
FROM FUTURE OF FAMILY MEDICINE BLOG...
Action alert! GME funding for family medicine residencies must be preserved NOW!
This is as good a time as any to get your feet wet in grassroots advocacy! AAFP’s Speak Out provides all the tools you need to communicate your support for GME funding for family medicine residency programs. Let your elected officials hear you now!
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LOWER YOUR VACCINE COSTS WITH ATLANTIC HEALTH PARTNERS
Join the nation’s leading vaccine buying group now and get the lowest prices before the back-to-school peak vaccine season! Additional benefits include:
• The lowest prices and most favorable payment terms for Sanofi Pasteur and Merck vaccines
• Reimbursement support • Medical supply discounts • Office supply discounts • Discounts for patient recall program
COMPLIMENTARY INSURANCE REVIEW
As a valued PAFP member, you are entitled to a complimentary Life, Long Term Care and Disability Insurance Review. Make sure that your coverage has kept pace with the changes in your life and is consistent with future goals. A review will ensure that your policies are current with beneficiary designations, competitively priced and up-to-date with marketplace innovations. For more details, contact an expert adviser at Asset MarketPlace, your PAFP-approved insurance provider, at (866) 482-2175, or send an email.
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