Highmark, UPMC, Pa. AG head to court May 15, 2019
The Pa. Supreme Court is to hear arguments on May 16 in the case of extending the landmark Highmark/UPMC consent decree (TribLive) that granted certain patients access to both networks/insurers. The Pittsburgh-based dispute is a case of interest around the nation as the lines between provider networks and insurers blur in other regions and states.
Measles outbreak tops 830 across U.S. May 14, 2019
The U.S. measles outbreak continues to grow, with a total of 839 cases confirmed across 23 states, including Pennsylvania. According to The Hill, there have been 75 new cases in the past week as the outbreak inches toward the 1994 record of 963 cases. Some states have begun taking steps to limit exemptions for parents who don't want to vaccinate their children.
Pa. among states least likely to have physician shortage May 13, 2019
According to PennLive, a recent study has found Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states least likely to have a physician shortage. With 311.8 physicians per 100,000 residents, Pennsylvania - tied for eighth place with New York and Michigan - exceeds the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recommendation of 283 physicians per 100,000 people.
More Americans lost health coverage in 2018 May 10, 2019
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports after several years of declines, the number of uninsured Americans increased in 2018 - up to about 30.4 million Americans from 29.3 million in the year 2017. According to USA Today, the CDC also reported the number of Americans in high-deductible plans reached an all-time high in 2018.
Featured: Tell the Pa. Senate to oppose scope of practice legislation
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.
