Physician compensation report: how do doctors fare? April 18, 2019

Medscape's Physician Compensation Report 2019 hosts an in-depth look at how physicians are faring in the financial arena. According to Medscape, primary care physician compensation sits at an average of $237,000 - up from an average of $195,000 in 2015. More specifically, family medicine physicians earn an average of $231,000.

The physician community is collaborating with the American Cancer Society and other patient advocacy groups to address the burden of prior authorizations and step therapy through legislation to be introduced shortly by State Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lancaster). PAFP members report that prior authorization reform is their top state legislative issue.

The number of measles cases in the United States climbed again this month to 555, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The New York Times reports this year's outbreak is on pace to be the worst since the country eliminated measles in 2000. The disease is largely spreading through communities with large numbers of unvaccinated people.

As the anti-vaccine movement grows in strength, the conversation between physicians and parents about the importance of vaccines is increasingly vital. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has some tips on how to discuss vaccines with parents, including starting early, presenting vaccination as the default option, and being honest about side effects.

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, along with all the other physician associations in Pennsylvania, opposes this legislation in the name of patient safety. Click here to use the AAFP's Speak Out tool to contact your senator.