Doctors in Pa. largely support medical marijuana July 28, 2017
A new survey suggests most Pennsylvania doctors are on board with medical cannabis. TribLive reports in a survey of 191 physicians, nearly 75 percent say they would register through the state's medical marijuana program to recommend the treatment. State officials hope to have the program fully running by 2018. |
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Pa. medical marijuana physician registry open July 27, 2017
Pennsylvania physicians who wish to administer cannabis products to patients can now log onto the state's registry. According to PennLive, these physicians must hold a valid medical license, apply, and complete a four-hour course on medical marijuana before they're allowed to begin recommending the treatment. |
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Registration open for Reading CME Conference July 25, 2017
Registration is now open for the PAFP's next exciting multi-day CME conference event! The Reading CME Conference, Nov. 17-19, 2017 will be a weekend full of clinically relevant education, including a knowledge self-assessment study group and patient safety sessions! Mark your calendar, then register today! |
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Free public health lecture open to family physicians July 20, 2017
The Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health is sponsoring a lecture, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention: A Primer for Family Physicians, Aug. 1 in Philly. This session is free of charge for community providers. If you're interested in this educational opportunity, please view the latest issue of Progress Notes. |
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Please take our 90-second member survey July 19, 2017
As part of a continuing effort to meet its members' needs and impact health care in Pennsylvania, the PAFP is considering the development of a leadership institute to help physicians build partnerships, influence dialogue, and enhance credibility. Members, please take 90 seconds to respond to a survey on this initiative. |
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Latest health bill fails after 2 defect July 18, 2017
The GOP's plan to replace the Affordable Care Act has hit a significant snag: CNN reports Sens. Jerry Moran (Kansas) and Mike Lee (Utah) won't support it, which means it doesn't have enough votes for a debate to begin. President Trump says Republicans should repeal the bill now and start from a clean slate. |
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Physician empathy reflects competence: study July 17, 2017
Empathy and warmth are important qualities for a physician to have - and they also make doctors seem more competent to patients. A study by Scientific American suggests emphasizing empathy in physicians promotes patient perceptions of confidence; empathy also increases health outcomes and patient adherence. |
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Pa. doesn't yet know what works in opioid crisis: audit July 14, 2017
Pennsylvania is spending a lot of money on the opioid addiction crisis, but the state lacks mechanisms to tell which solutions are having an effect. PennLive reports Auditor General Eugene Depasquale says the Dept. of Drug and Alcohol Programs will embrace more evidence-based approaches moving forward. |
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New version of health bill expected today July 13, 2017
In the ongoing saga of an Affordable Care Act replacement, Reuters reports Senate GOP leaders are expected to reveal a new version of their health care bill today. A vote may come on the bill next week. Several disputes remain over taxes, spending, and what health care benefits the packages will include. |
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Pa. mulls Medicaid work requirement July 12, 2017
Medicaid recipients in Pennsylvania may soon be required to work to receive benefits. WITF reports the state House has approved legislation that would force able enrollees to work or seek work to continue being in the program. Most people on Medicaid are already working, taking care of family, or going to school. |
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FDA to force doctors to learn about opioids? July 11, 2017
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether it can and should force providers to undergo additional education on pain management and opioids. NBC News reports the FDA will soon detail the best pain management methods and is "actively exploring" mandatory education for doctors and others. |
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Sen. Toomey defends GOP health bill July 6, 2017
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey appeared before a live audience July 5 to field questions about health care. The Associated Press reports Toomey defended the Senate's health care bill, saying it guarantees the survival of Medicaid. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has opposed the bill, calling it "crueler than the House plan." |
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PinnacleHealth buys 4 central Pa. hospitals July 5, 2017
PinnacleHealth has taken control of four central Pennsylvania hospitals: Carlisle Regional, Heart of Lancaster Regional, Lancaster Regional, and Memorial Hospital of York. WITF reports hospital consolidation can lead to price increases for patients over time. The purchase price was not disclosed. |
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Be safe when grilling and chilling on the 4th July 3, 2017
Tomorrow, Americans will enjoy the holiday by grilling great food and chilling by the pool. Celebrate safely! The American Red Cross has a list of pool safety tips; follow these guidelines for grilling from the National Fire Protection Agency and rules for fireworks from the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Have fun! |
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