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Feb. 22, 2018 | Issue 182
The Latest News
Government Affairs and Practice Advocacy
PAFP member survey shows need for prior authorization reform
Nearly 400 PAFP members participated in a recent survey on prior authorizations, proving the time for reform in Pennsylvania is now. The results show 98 percent of the time, prior authorizations caused delay in patient care; the bureaucracy is incredibly burdensome for family medicine physicians and their staffs. The PAFP has issued a press release along with the findings to the media and state lawmakers. Reform is a key part of the Academy’s state government affairs agenda via House Bill 1293, spornsored by Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks).
Education
Opioid education sessions now available online
A significant part of the PAFP's strategy to combat the opioid epidemic is a continued commitment to high-quality, clinically relevant opioid education. The PAFP is now offering online educational sessions on a variety of topics related to opioid addiction and abuse, including treatment alternatives for substance abuse disorders, neurobiology of addiction, and screening. Our gratitude to the Caron Foundation for providing such excellent resources from our Reading CME Conference in November. Please click here for more.
Public Health
Demand outpaces supply for medical marijuana in Pa.
There is an early shortage of medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pittsburgh area, which has one cultivation facility and two dispensaries, is feeling the pressure of high demand. Six dispensaries opened in the state last week to dispense the products; Philly.com explains which products are available, including oils and resins.
Residents and Students
Free events! PAFP-PAC social; career development education
Complete the PAFP resident survey! (deadline March 9)
Time to complete survey: 3 minutes
Value to the PAFP: Priceless
Enter to win a Starbucks gift card for yourself; help your program win a Panera gift card for resident participation!
FREE PAFP-PAC resident and student social event
March 3, Lucky Strike Lanes, downtown Philadelphia
RSVP: mtalley@pafp.com (by Feb. 26)
FREE career development event
March 3, Philadelphia CME Conference and Research Day
11 a.m to 2 p.m., lunch included
Featuring experts on personal finance, loan repayment, waiver programs, navigating the job search
Limited spots remain open: RSVP to mtalley@pafp.com (by Feb. 25)
Other News
PAFP 2017 Annual Report released
The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians' 2017 Annual Report is now available. This report details each area of the PAFP's mission, including updates on government affairs and practice advocacy, education, membership, residents and students, corporate support, and financials. Click here to view the report.
Urge the Pa. Senate to support DPC
Pa. House Bill 1739 and Senate Bill 926 would improve access to direct primary care (DPC) by recognizing, protecting, and defining these arrangements as outside the scope of state insurance regulations, allowing patients and physicians to contract for care. Click here to use the AAFP's Speak Out tool and take action!
2018 PAFP Annual Business Meeting to be live-streamed
The PAFP's 2018 Annual Business Meeting will be live streaming on Friday, March 2 beginning at 7:30 a.m. You can click this link to view the meeting. All members invited to live stream if you won't be at the meeting!
Welcome New PAFP Members!
- Cynthia Rosenberg
- Nicolette Walsh
- Karen McGeehan
- John Cellucci
- Sean Bryan
- Reda Shedeed
- Joseph Valdez
- Irina Esteva
- Katherine Lattanzio
- Muhammad Jawaid
- Shownak Shreyarthi
- Peiyun Chang
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