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CMS PROPOSES RULE ON MEDICAID PAYMENT INCREASE
On May 9, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule on Medicaid payment increases for primary care services performed by primary care providers for 2013 and 2014. In the proposal, CMS defines primary care providers and applies the payment increase to designated primary care services, including evaluation and management (E&M) codes and certain vaccine administration codes. For more information, check out the CMS fact sheet.
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO ELIMINATE SGR
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that would revamp the Medicare payment system by eliminating the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula and initiate payment reforms, including a 2.5 percent payment increase for primary care physicians. Rep. Allyson D. Schwartz (D) from Pennslvania introduced the legislation, the Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act of 2011. Read this AAFP news release for more information.
PRIMARY STROKE CENTERS BILL MOVES THROUGH ASSEMBLY
Legislation that would recognize primary stroke centers in Pennsylvania is on the move in the state general assembly. House Bill 1400, the Primary Stroke Center Recognition Act, provides the requirements necessary for a health care facility to be recognized as a primary stroke center. The legislation has passed both chambers with amendments and awaits concurrence in the House of Representatives. Click here for more information.
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CUTTING-EDGE, SEARCHABLE CME DATABASE NOW AVAILABLE!
It's now easier than ever to take advantage of the PAFP's free, high-quality Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses! After months of research, redesigning and refining its CME database, the PAFP has just launched a brand-new searchable CME catalog. You can find CME by topic, date, location and more.
DINNER (OR BREAKFAST) AND A CME - FOR FREE!
Hungry for food and knowledge? You can get two hours of FREE CME and a meal by attending New Tools to Fix a Broken Screening System: CRC Screening for the Changing Landscape of Primary Care, part of the PAFP Foundation's 2012 Regional Lecture Series. The PAFP Foundation is able to offer this series thanks to a generous educational grant from PMSLIC and by funds the Pa. Dept. of Health Colorectal Cancer Control Program received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dates and locations are:
Tuesday, June 19, 6 - 8 p.m., Erie, Manufacturer and Business Conference Center
Wednesday, June 20, 6 - 8 p.m., Pittsburgh, The Grand Concourse Restaurant
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6 - 8 p.m., Scranton, Hilton Conference Center
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6 - 8 p.m., State College, Mount Nittany Inn
Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7 - 9 a.m., Philadelphia, College of Physicians
Thursday, Nov. 1, 6 - 8 p.m., Lancaster, Eden Resort
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ARM YOUR 'OLDER' PATIENTS WITH KNOWLEDGE
Arm your “older patients” with knowledge! Read the Pennsylvania Health Law Project’s Senior Health News and share it with your seniors.
HOW CAN YOU BETTER SERVE PATIENTS?
How can you better serve your patients? With the help of Community Health Workers (CHWs), of course! Join the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society's upcoming CME Webinar Series starting on May 17!
IMMUNIZATION NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW!
Get the most up to date information on immunizations at the Department of Health website and then remind your patients that vaccines are safe! Don’t forget to check out the free patient safety CME on vaccines available at www.pafp.com/vaccines. Take advantage of these opportunities before they expire!
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EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT IN OUR NEW WEB PAGES!
Unveiling our newly redesigned webpages for Residents and Students! Check ‘em out and let us know what you think!
Molly Talley, Director of Resident and Student Initiatives, has created a Twitter list of thought leaders and advocates in family medicine, primary care, and public health – both nationally known and local docs. Please check them out and connect to the social media family medicine revolution!
READY FOR SOME REAL TALK ABOUT FAMILY MEDICINE?
Don’t miss the AAFP National Conference, July 26-28 in Kansas City, Miss. Scholarships are still available! The deadline is TODAY (May 1) for AAFP scholarships and June 1 for PAFP scholarships.
WELCOME TO ALL NEW LEADERS!
Congratulations to the newly elected Resident and Student Assembly leaders! Updated directories will be posted after May 18, once your terms officially begin. Our PAFP Board of Directors, commission chairs, and staff welcome you!
THE GREAT ANNUAL MIGRATION
Congratulations are in order for those student members completing medical school over the next month or so. Best wishes on your transition to residency! If you’re remaining in Pennsylvania for residency, you’ll be able to maintain your connection to the PAFP as a resident member. For those students travelling further afield, please do maintain your relationship with AAFP and your state chapter where you land. Membership offers opportunities, resources, and networking perfect for your stage of training and your interests.
Congrats also to residency graduates. You’ve already received a special invitation to become an active new member of AAFP for a discounted rate – please take them up on that! Membership can provide vital resources and tools to help you settle in and manage your new responsibilities as you enter practice – there’s still so much to learn! And please don’t hesitate to contact AAFP and PAFP with any questions you might have.
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ARE YOU READY TO GOLF, COOK AND ROCK?
Are you gearing up for all the fun we have in store this weekend? From our 5th annual FORE Family Medicine Golf Tournament to our first ever cooking class ... from a Rock Band tournament to our ten undeniable reasons to show up ... How could you possibly deny this incredible weekend at the amazing Omni Bedford Springs Resort in historic Bedford?
There's still time to pre-register to COOK, GOLF and ROCK! And don't forget our silent auction, featuring baseball and golf outings, fine wines and getaways, and so much more!
Head to our Annual Meeting web page for a complete schedule! We'll see you there!
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