What do physicians in Pennsylvania make? July 31, 2019
Pennsylvania physicians responded to Medscape's Pennsylvania Physician Compensation Report 2019 with information on what they earn, how much debt they've accumulated, the most rewarding and challenging parts of their job, and more. For a comprehensive look at how physicians in Pennsylvania fare, check out Medscape's in-depth report.
New law to help Pennsylvanians adhere to medications July 30, 2019
A new law will help patients better adhere to their medications by allowing them to sync their prescriptions at the pharmacy. According to Northcentral PA, Act 46 of 2019, a result of House Bill 195 sponsored by Rep. Eric Nelson (57th District), will allow consumers to pick up all of their medications on one day rather than having to make multiple trips to the pharmacy.
Flu vaccine shipment expected to be delayed July 26, 2019
French drugmaker Sanofi says it expects its vaccine shipments will be delayed by one month at the start of the upcoming flu season. According to CNBC, shipment will begin in mid-August, and is expected to be completed November. The company says the delay is because the World Health Organization (WHO) took a bit longer to select vaccine virus strains.
'Rural Health Matters' to AAFP July 25, 2019
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) understands that rural communities' needs are unique, oftentimes differing greatly from the realities of their urban counterparts. The AAFP's Rural Health Matters program aims to develop and implement an integrated rural health strategy to improve America's rural health. To learn more about the program, click here.
Average PCP salary rising faster than specialists' July 24, 2019
Primary care physician (PCP) pay is on the rise - and at a faster rate than specialists' pay. According to Healio, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) reports the average salary for a primary care physician in the United States now exceeds $266,500 per year and has increased at a faster rate over the last five years than salaries for medical specialists.
Pa. to raise age to buy tobacco to 21? July 23, 2019
Pennsylvania may be the next state to raise the age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. According to PennLive, a bill to raise the age could be a "first priority" when the General Assembly reconvenes in the fall. The bill is currently on hold until lawmakers return; the House introduced a similar bi-partisan-backed bill that moved into the health committee in March.
HHS awards $20 million to increase rural workforce July 19, 2019
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has awarded $20 million in Rural Residency Planning and Development Program (RRPD) grants. Recipients across 21 states will receive up to $750,000 over a three-year period to develop new rural residency programs while achieving accreditation.
Drug overdose deaths fell in 2018 July 18, 2019
Drug overdose deaths may have fallen by 5 percent in 2018 - the first drop since the opioid epidemic began in the 1990s. But Vox reports there are reasons to be cautious. The data, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is preliminary and subject to change; also, overdose deaths from synthetics such as fentanyl still appear to be on the rise.
Free CME webcasts at your fingertips July 17, 2019
You know all about the PAFP's excellent live CME programming - but the PAFP also offers convenient, on-demand, online CME! What's more, all webcasts on the PAFP's online CME catalog meet the mandated patient safety requirement. Clinically relevant topics include immunization updates, trauma-informed care, and opioid prescribing guidelines. Get your free CME today!
PAFP: Why we need teaching health centers July 16, 2019
Teaching health centers are a community-based residency training program that analysts say is an invaluable tool for increasing primary care physicians and addressing the maldistribution of doctors. At The Morning Call, PAFP President Mary Stock Keister, MD explains why legislation is needed to support these health centers. Click here to read the full column.
Support the PAFP Foundation with a donation today July 12, 2019
The PAFP Foundation funds programs to educate and attract medical students to family medicine and administers continuing medical education (CME) programs to increase the knowledge and skills of family physicians and other primary care providers. You can keep the family medicine pipeline strong by making a donation today! Click here to get started.
U.S. life expectancy on the decline July 11, 2019
The average life expectancy in the U.S. has been declining for three years, reports CNBC. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, a baby born in 2017 is expected to live to be 78.6 years old, down from 78.7 in the previous year. Other developed countries have seen a sharp slowdown in life expectancy as well.
Explore the expo hall at AAFP FMX July 10, 2019
The 2019 AAFP Family Medicine Experience (FMX) will be held in Philadelphia, September 24-28. Don’t miss one of the most expansive expo halls in the industry - it offers something for every attendee. Access the latest technologies and patient care, discuss ideas, innovations, and tools with exhibitors and experts, and much more. Register for AAFP FMX today!
FAWM credit for outdoor CME - room deadline today July 9, 2019
Looking for FAWM credit? Then you’re in luck! The PAFP’s 3rd Annual Outdoor Medicine and Dermatology CME Conference provides just that! Reminder, today is the deadline to book your discounted room! Please call 814-658-3500 and mention you are attending the PAFP CME event to receive your discount. Wondering what to bring? We've got you covered!
Tell your representative to oppose SB 25 July 3, 2019
Senate Bill 25 seeks to remove the collaborative agreement requirements for CRNPs, contending the agreements are no longer necessary and restricting service to rural areas. The PAFP opposes this legislation in the name of patient safety. Tell your representative to oppose SB 25, and click here to learn more about SB 25 in a video from PAFP President Mary Stock Keister, MD.
Eighteen more measles cases brings total to 1,095 July 2, 2019
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the U.S. recorded 18 more measles cases last week, bringing the total this year to 1,095 cases in the worst U.S. measles outbreak since 1992, according to Reuters. The CDC has confirmed cases of the disease in 28 states as of June 27. Experts say misinformation and hesitance about vaccines is partially to blame for the outbreak.