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NATIONAL 5010 TESTING WEEK: AUGUST 22 - 26
National 5010 Testing Week will be held by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), with the Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) program, August 22 - 26. This is an opportunity for physicians, their clearinghouses and vendors to test the Version 5010 transactions with the added benefit of real-time help desk support and direct and immediate access to Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). The HIPAA Version 5010 compliance date for all covered entities is January 1, 2012. For more information, visit the CMS website.
NEW ACO RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM AAFP
Want more information about Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)? Need help understanding what they are and how they work? The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), in partnership with six AAFP constituent chapters and a North Carolina-based law firm, has created new resources to help family physicians better understand the ACO model. To get started, click here and sign in using your AAFP member ID and password.
FAIR CONTRACTING MATERIALS NOW AVAILABLE
The Fair Health Care Provider Contracting Act (House Bill 1763), introduced by Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Delaware) earlier this summer, will assist physicians in making informed decisions when contracting with the Pennsylvania Blues plans and their affiliates. To learn more about the Fair Health Care Provider Contracting Act, we’ve made materials including a bill analysis and issue brief available on the PAFP homepage.
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES ON MARCELLUS SHALE
At the request of our members, PAFP staff has been busy researching the public health issues surrounding Marcellus Shale. In the meantime, the Penn State Cooperative Extension has developed resources to educate the public on Marcellus gas well drilling. To learn about hydrofracturing, water testing and more, click here.
HEALTH EXCHANGE FORUMS TO BE HELD IN PENNSYLVANIA
During the month of August, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will hold three forums across the state to discuss health insurance exchanges and possible options for the Commonwealth. Health care consumers, payers and other stakeholders are welcome to attend and submit comments. The AAFP has resources to help states better understand health insurance exchanges. PAFP stall will use these resources to develop comments for the Pennsylvania forums. To learn more about health insurance exchanges, visit the AAFP website.
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2011 REGIONAL CME LECTURE SERIES
Improving Diabetes Care Using the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)
Lecture Series events are scheduled for two hours: one hour for the presentation and then plenty of time for questions and discussion.
• Wednesday, Sept. 7, Harrisburg: Wildwood Conference Center at HACC, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (breakfast)
• Wednesday, Sept. 21, Philadelphia: College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (breakfast)
• Thursday, Sept. 22, Scranton: Hilton Scranton Conference Center, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. (dinner)
• Wednesday, Oct. 5, Erie: Manufacturers and Business Conference Center, 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. (breakfast)
• Thursday, Oct. 6, Pittsburgh: Penn State Allegheny, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (dinner)
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, Altoona: Blair County Convention Center, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. (dinner)
Free registration for PAFP and PA-ACP members and one office staff member. Click here to register.
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READ “CONCUSSION AND THE YOUNG ATHLETE” TIP SHEET BY SEPTEMBER 15!
Enter to win a “50 percent off” coupon for PAFP CME Conferences! Read the Concussion and the Young Athlete Tip Sheet in the summer issue of Keystone Physician (the PAFP’s member magazine) and take the short post-test for a chance to win 50 percent off the registration fee for the November 2011 CME conference in Nemacolin or the March 2012 CME conference in Hershey.
MTBI AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The concussion article is part of a campaign with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to educate family physicians about mild traumatic brain injury. Coming in your fall issue of Keystone Physician: a tip sheet on the cross section of TBI and domestic violence, which will be followed by a lecture on the same topic at the November CME conference.
WORKING WITH SUICIDAL YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES IN PRIMARY CARE
[Wednesday, Aug. 10, noon - 1 p.m.]
How do you differentiate a suicide attempt from non-suicidal self-injury? What are the acute risk factors? Do you have a crisis response plan? Matthew Wintersteen, PhD, from Thomas Jefferson University is an expert in suicidology who has helped to develop and operate Pennsylvania’s statewide program to decrease youth suicide, which reaches alarming levels in some regions. Dr. Wintersteen will provide a primary-care-specific presentation with case studies to help your practice effectively assess youth and develop an outpatient crisis response plan. Space is limited! Register now.
"PATIENTS WITH PAD ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED OR MISDIAGNOSED IN PRIMARY CARE"
[Tuesday, Sept. 20, noon - 1 p.m.]
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common and significant problem that can be effectively managed in primary care, but it’s often overlooked by primary care physicians and their staff, according to the April 2011 ACP Internist. Join the PAFP Foundation Tuesday, Sept. 20 for a free lunchtime CME webcast for you and your staff on the Early Detection and Treatment of PAD in Primary Care. Register now.
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... including these webinars on Pain and Pain Management:
• “The Challenge of Managing Pain While Mitigating Risk: Medical-Legal Aspects of Treating Pain Patients”
• “Commonly Seen Pain Management Cases: What Would You Do?”
• “Use of Opioids in Chronic Non-Malignant Pain”
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PROGRESS UPDATE FROM PA REACH
Congratulations to Greencastle Family Practice for its successful Medicare attestation on August 2! Greencastle is a Medent client.
Congratulations to White Rose OB/GYN for attesting within the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program for adopting, implementing and upgrading (AIU) to a certified EHR system on August 5! White Rose is also a Medent client.
For more information or assistance for your practice, please contact Deb Hammaker or Tracy Koval.
ATTENTION ALL PHYSICIANS
Physicians, be on the lookout for your new American Cancer Society CRC Screening Rates Quick Guide arriving in your mailboxes courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can also check out the Quick Guide online by clicking here. For questions or to learn more, please contact Michelle Seitz.
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YOU WON’T HEAR THIS TOO OFTEN IN MEDICAL SCHOOL
Taking care of yourself will make you a better doctor. A medical student blogger issues the challenge: Make this “A Year for Balanced Living” to set a better example of health for your patients.
INNOVATIONS: WHY PRIMARY CARE IS DUE FOR A RENAISSANCE
Successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists investing in primary care … retainer-based direct primary care exploding around the country … simple supply and demand … PCMH pilots set up major shift in payment model … click here for more!
“YOU KNOW SO MUCH. YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING.”
“Keep those two ideas in constant tension.” Practical survival tips for new residents.
PASSIONATE, ENERGETIC STUDENT CONGRESS PASSES POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS TO AAFP:
Covering topics including the alliance with Coca-Cola, the great RUC debate, scope of practice and training regarding colonoscopy and OB/GYN services. Click here for more.
LIVELY DISCUSSION OF VITAL ISSUES DRIVES AAFP RESIDENT CONGRESS POLICY RECOMMENDATION DEVELOPMENT
Covering topics including immunization policy and pharmacist administration, primary care interest rate reduction program, more on the great RUC debate. Click here for more.
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ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE MAY SOON IMPROVE FOR SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAMILIES
(Pottsville, WITF) People in one midstate county who struggle to afford health care could soon have greater access to low- or no-cost treatment. Click here for more.
LOWER YOUR VACCINE COSTS WITH ATLANTIC HEALTH PARTNERS
Join the nation’s leading vaccine-buying group now to 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 • Call (800) 741-2044 or email info@atlantichealthpartners.com.
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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