MEDICAID EXPANSION FAVORED IN GENERAL, BUT... (July 31, 2012)
Americans favor the health care law's expansion of Medicaid - until, according to Kaiser Health News, they realize that they'll be responsible for part of the cost. The Affordable Care Act allows states to opt out of the expansion, and the PAFP's Government Affairs team will let members know as soon as Pennsylvania decides on the matter.
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MEET THE PHYSICIANS BEHIND THE OLYMPICS (July 30, 2012)
If you're anything like the PAFP staff, you've got Olympics fever right now! Behind the scenes of the summer games, the 525 U.S. athletes, and their trainers is a well-trained team of physicians working to keep the Olympians safe and healthy. Take a look at the PAFP's Public Health page to learn more about general health and wellness.
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GAIN CME ON THE OPEN SEAS! CME CRUISE REGISTRATION OPEN (July 27, 2012)
In 2013, you can gain CME on the PAFP's most adventurous education conference yet - a Royal Caribbean cruise to Bermuda! Relax at the state-of-the-art spa or one of six pools and whirlpools; dare to rock climb, zip line or ice skate; and entertain yourself at the Vegas-style casino or Broadway-style shows! Register today!
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HEALTH LAW SAVES $3.9B IN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS (July 26, 2012)
The Affordable Care Act has saved 5.2 million Medicare recipients more than $3.9 billion in prescription drugs since the health care law was enacted, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS says that drug coverage will increase until 2020, when the Medicare Part D coverage gap will be closed.
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MEDICAID ED USE UNDERSCORES PRIMARY CARE NEED (July 25, 2012)
A recent report shows non-elderly adult Medicaid patients are three times as likely to use emergency rooms for complex medical needs as adults with private insurance. According to American Medical News, this dispels conventional wisdom and points to the need for better access to primary care services.
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PERTUSSIS CASES RISING AT EPIDEMIC RATE (July 24, 2012)
Cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are rising at an epidemic rate. Since we last reported it two weeks ago, the U.S. could be headed for the worst pertussis outbreak since 1959, according to the Associated Press. Learn more about pertussis, its diagnosis, and its prevention at this resource portal on PAFP.com.
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1-YEAR SGR EXTENSION PROPOSED (July 23, 2012)
According to Becker's Hospital Review, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas has introduced legislation which would extend the sustainable growth rate (SGR) for one year while Congress looks for a long-term Medicare solution. Physicians face a 28 percent cut in Medicare payments if the SGR isn't repealed or temporarily fixed by December.
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HOSPITAL READMISSION RATES STAGNANT (July 20, 2012)
In spite of efforts to curb readmission rates, more than 20 percent of Medicare patients are returning to the hospital within a month of discharge, according to Kaiser Health News. It's a problem the PAFP - through Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model - is working hard to solve in Pennsylvania. Read more about the PAFP's efforts here.
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HEALTH REFORM NEWS ROUNDUP (July 19, 2012)
Much has happened since the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the majority of the Affordable Care Act three weeks ago. To learn where Pennsylvania stands on Medicaid expansion, a key part of the law, see this interactive map (The Atlantic). Also, find out how Americans feel about the Supreme Court since the decision (The New York Times).
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REPORT: VOLUNTARY INACTIVITY LEADING TO OBESITY CRISIS (July 18, 2012)
It's no secret that people worldwide are gaining weight, evidenced by a well-publicized report in BMC Public Health last month. A new report suggests that voluntary physical inactivity is rapidly spreading throughout the globe, leading to obesity and associated health problems. Head to our CME hub to learn more about obesity prevention.
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AAFP: SALARIES RISING FOR FAMILY PHYSICIANS (July 17, 2012)
Family physicians' salaries are on the rise. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a survey by Merritt Hawkins shows family physicians saw an average 6 percent pay increase over the past year, fueled by demand for family physicians that outstrips demand for other primary care physicians and subspecialists.
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TAR WARS NATIONAL CONFERENCE UNDER WAY (July 16, 2012)
The Tar Wars National Conference is under way in Washington, D.C.! Tar Wars poster contest winners from all across the United States will enjoy an awards ceremony and meet with legislators to discuss tobacco control. We have much more about the 2012 Pennsylvania poster contest winner in the latest issue of Keystone Physician.
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PAFP PRESENTS 'PRIMARY CARE & SOCIAL MEDIA' (July 13, 2012)
Did you tweet today? "Like" somebody's Facebook page? Or are these terms foreign to you? Whether you're a social media veteran or you've never even heard of social media before, we'd like you to know how family physicians and the PAFP are using some powerful communications tools. Click here for 'Primary Care & Social Media'!
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PAPER COVERS PAFP'S HEALTH REFORM EFFORTS (July 12, 2012)
Health care reform starts with family physicians. That's the message the PAFP delivered to The Penn-Trafford Star, a division of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which yesterday published a piece centered around the PAFP's efforts to reform health care. Read that here, and let the paper know how much you appreciate the coverage!
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REPORT: HEALTH LAW GOOD NEWS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS (July 11, 2012)
The health care law is good news for Americans with mental illnesses, who will receive near-universal coverage for psychiatric disorders according to The New York Times. Treatment may also improve: Bipartisan legislation would allow mental and behavior health facilities and providers to participate in the meaningful use program.
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2012 BECOMING RECORD YEAR FOR WHOOPING COUGH (July 10, 2012)
This may be a record year for pertussis, the whooping cough, in the United States - more than 16,000 cases have already been validated, some in Pennsylvania. And it's not just children that need to be vaccinated, but adults as well. Visit the PAFP's vaccines resources web page for more information.
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CMS PROPOSES FAMILY PHYSICIAN PAY BUMP (July 9, 2012)
Family physicians would get a 7 percent pay raise in 2013 under a proposed rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The proposed rule would compensate physicians for aiding a patient's transition back to the community following a stay at a hospital or nursing facility. A final rule will be issued by Nov. 1.
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SUMMER 2012 ISSUE OF 'KEYSTONE PHYSICIAN' RELEASED (July 6, 2012)
The Summer 2012 issue of Keystone Physician is hot off the presses! In this issue, you'll discover how some future family physicians are getting a bit of early training at the Penn State College of Medicine. Also, learn how the Affordable Care Act affects you, and meet the PAFP's new president!
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STATES MAY OPT OUT OF MEDICAID EXPANSION (July 5, 2012)
Last week's Supreme Court decision on the health care law overturned the requirement that states expand their Medicaid programs - and several states are pondering whether they'll opt out. The PAFP's Government Affairs team will keep PAFP members abreast of any goings-on regarding Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania.
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AAFP: SCREEN ALL ADULTS FOR OBESITY (July 4, 2012)
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommend that primary care physicians screen all adults for obesity. To see how the PAFP is promoting systems change in this area, visit the Residency Program Collaborative (RPC) web page.
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HOW SHOULD FAMILY PHYSICIANS USE SOCIAL MEDIA? (July 3, 2012)
How should family physicians use social media? From our Big 3 campaign to a presentation by social media expert Dr. Mike Sevilla at our upcoming Summer Escape conference, it's a question we want our members to consider. Keep your eye on the PAFP Press Room in the coming days for a comprehensive guide to social media!
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STAY SAFE IN EXTREME HEAT (July 2, 2012)
The early summer heat wave continues, with temperatures reaching the 90s every day this week across much of Pennsylvania. Be sure to stay both in and out of the sun! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat related deaths and illnesses are entirely preventable by following a few simple rules.
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