Insurers to be required to pay for supplemental breast cancer screenings June 26, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to sign into law a bill that would require insurance companies to provide coverage of screenings for women at increased risk of breast cancer. According to PennLive, the legislation, sponsored by Sen. Bob Mensch, would make Pennsylvania one of only a few states that require insurers to pick up the high cost associated with these supplemental screenings.
Share your favorite photo, win a year of PAFP CME June 23, 2020
Nearly four months have gone by since the PAFP’s last CME event, and we miss you! That is why we want you to share your favorite #PAFPCME photo! Post your photo on Facebook and tag the PAFP or a staff member along with #PAFPFav by June 30. The winner receives a pass for one year of PAFP CME registration fees. Enter your photo for a chance to win today!
AAFP to host racism health impact town hall June 19, 2020
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is hosting a virtual town hall discussion on Monday, June 22 at 8 p.m. ET titled The Public Health Crisis of Racism. This event will highlight the connection between racism and health outcomes and help physicians learn practical skills we can apply in a clinical setting to identify and address racial trauma. Click here for details.
Demand liability protections for a smart restart June 18, 2020
Our legislators need to hear from you this week before they adjourn for the summer, possibly by June 24. Your immediate action is critical: call or email your legislators this week and demand that the General Assembly pass protections from lawsuits for our business and health care communities! Our economic recovery depends on it. Click here to contact your legislator today.
Keep returning patients up-to-date on vaccines June 17, 2020
As providers begin to welcome patients back into their practices, and as patients begin to feel more comfortable returning to the doctor’s office for well visits, there is an opportunity for providers to ensure patients have received the vaccines they need. Check out these considerations for providers as their patient visits begin to increase, courtesy of Atlantic Health Partners.
Tower Health to cut 1,000 jobs, citing pandemic June 16, 2020
Berks County-based health network Tower Health has announced it is cutting 1,000 positions. The layoffs affect about 900 employees, as about 100 of the cut jobs are currently unfilled, according to WFMZ. Tower Health says the government-mandated closure of many outpatient facilities and the suspension of elective procedures caused a 40% drop in revenue.
AAFP COD to go virtual for 2020 June 15, 2020
The Board of Directors of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has decided to cancel the in-person 2020 Congress of Delegates (COD) scheduled for October 12-14. These decisions were made after careful consideration surrounding health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 meeting will instead be virtual with details forthcoming from the AAFP.
COVID-19 relief now available to small businesses June 13, 2020
The recently enacted state budget includes $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). Within this allocation, the Department of Community and Economic Development has been allocated $225 million for COVID-19 relief to small businesses. For uses, eligibility rules, and to apply, please click here.
PAFP congratulates Speaker Turzai on retirement June 11, 2020
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians would like to congratulate House Speaker Mike Turzai on his years of service as a state legislator. Turzai has announced he will resign on June 15, before the end of his term, after serving the state’s 28th Legislative District for nearly 20 years. Turzai was awarded the PAFP’s “Friend of Family Medicine” honor in 2016; read more here.
Extensions granted for geriatric certification June 4, 2020
If your geriatric certification is due this year, extensions have been granted and you can take the exam in 2021. If you choose to wait until next year, you do need to withdraw; however, you would reapply next year. Any monies paid would be held until that time. If you have questions, please contact Jodi Johns with the ABFM at jjohns@theabfm.org or 877-223-7437.
On racism, implicit bias, and Health in All Policies June 3, 2020
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians expresses its deep concern regarding the impact of discrimination, racism, and the resultant dehumanization, marginalization, and preventable deaths of people of color. We consider racism a public health crisis and stand against all forms of racism, discrimination, and bias in our institutions, communities, and society. Please read more here.
Keystone Physician: Summer 2020 now available June 2, 2020
The latest issue of the PAFP's Keystone Physician magazine has been released! In the Summer 2020 issue, PAFP President Tracey Conti, MD relays her experience as a family physician in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also inside - a PAFP advocacy timeline, coverage of the PAFP's Hershey CME Conference, member news, and much more! Click here to read it.
Strengthen family medicine during AAFP Week of Action June 1, 2020
For its June 1-5 Week of Action - a first-time virtual event that's replacing the usual Family Medicine Advocacy Summit - the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is rallying members nationwide to schedule online meetings and lobby their elected officials. Stabilize, strengthen, and sustain family medicine with the AAFP! Find out more by clicking here.