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Tool Helps FPs Get Paid for Medicare Preventive Services

AAFP Guide Reviews Services Free of Patient Deductibles, Coinsurance Payments

(2/9/2012, 11:10 a.m.)  --  On Jan. 1, a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act kicked in that requires certain preventive services family physicians provide for their Medicare patients to be covered without patient deductibles or coinsurance payments. To help ensure members get paid for providing these services, the Academy has created an online tool that reviews these services, which include alcohol screening, depression screening, behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections, counseling to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and counseling for obesity. More


PPI Ineffective for Asthma Control in Children With No GERD Symptoms

Study Results Offer Reminder to 'Focus on Evidence-based Practice in Real-world Setting'

(2/8/2012, 12:10 p.m.)  --  An acid reflux drug frequently prescribed for children with poorly controlled asthma does not improve asthma control if the child has no symptoms of acid reflux, according to a recent study published in JAMA: the Journal of the American Medical Association. In such cases, the treatment actually increases the risk of sore throat, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. "The study demonstrates that this recently advocated treatment is not effective and reminds us to focus on evidence-based practice in real-world settings," said family physician Kurt Elward, M.D., of Charlottesville, Va., the Academy's liaison to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. More

Oral Contraceptives' Packaging Error Prompts Pfizer Recall

Incorrect Daily Regimen Could Pose Pregnancy Risk

(2/8/2012, 3:40 p.m.)  --  A packaging error has prompted New York-based Pfizer Inc. to recall multiple lots of oral contraceptives after an investigation by the company indicated the error could leave women "without adequate contraception and at risk for unintended pregnancy." In a Jan. 31 press release, Pfizer, which manufactures the products, said that it recalled 28 lots of tablets because some of the blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert and active ingredient tablets. In addition, said Pfizer, the tablets might be out of sequence. More