News & Events

MinuteClinic Waiver Request Prompts Proposed Regulation Revisions -- (September 19, 2007) The Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted its second public hearing on Sept. 18 regarding a revised set of regulations that would cover the operation of limited-scope medical clinics, such as retail health clinics. The revisions were prompted by an application CVS Caremark Corp. submitted earlier this year to open Massachusetts' first retail health clinic -- a CVS MinuteClinic -- in Weymouth.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement -- (September 19, 2007) Family physicians who are participants in the Blue Cross Blue Shield, or BCBS, class-action settlement, take note: To qualify for a settlement payment, the physician settlement claim form must be completed, signed and postmarked no later than Oct. 19, 2007.

Summer Brings Surge of AAFP Advocacy Efforts -- (August 29, 2007) A summer surge in private sector advocacy efforts by the Academy has seen letters fan out across the country to 65 health insurance companies on some of family physicians' most searing hot-button issues. The advocacy push included correspondence with high-profile plans, such as Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, CIGNA HealthCare, UnitedHealthcare and WellPoint.

AAFP Meets With Health Plans About Policies Affecting FPs -- (July 23, 2007) This spring and summer have seen a steady stream of meetings between the AAFP and the nation's largest health insurance companies, as the Academy works to ensure that payers are aware of the family physician viewpoint when setting policies.

WellPoint Promises Revisions in Vaccine Payment Policy -- (May 22, 2007) AAFP leaders know that fair payment for the purchase and administration of vaccines continues to be a thorn in the sides of many family physicians. However, relief is on the way from one of the nation's largest insurers -- Indianapolis-based WellPoint Inc. -- which insures nearly 35 million Americans across 14 states.