http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion.html en-us Copyright 2011 American Academy of Family Physicians http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/preventing_the_medicare_payment_cut http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/preventing_the_medicare_payment_cut The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction's deadline for a budget compromise came and went without legislators issuing a plan that included a solution to the sustainable growth rate, or SGR, formula. In fact, the so-called supercommittee failed to come up with any plan whatsoever. So where do we as family physicians go from here? Beginning Jan. 1, Medicare payments to physicians will be slashed by 27.4 percent unless Congress intervenes. Although Congress has patched the SGR every year since 2003, time is running out. Both Houses are expected to adjourn by Dec. 21 at the latest, and legislators must still pass an omnibus appropriations bill and a tax bill in addition to dealing with Medicare. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:05:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20111130practadvanresources.html http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20111130practadvanresources.html It was only seven years ago that the Future of Family Medicine report recommended that primary care in the United States adopt a new model of health care focused on creating a medical home for patients. The report also called for creation of a financially self-sustaining national resource center to provide support to FP practices as they transitioned to this new model of care. ann@aafp.org Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:40:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/giving_thanks http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/giving_thanks As we join our loved ones for the holiday this week, it's a natural time to reflect on all we are thankful for -- families, friends, health and careers. I also have a lot to be thankful for this year as AAFP President. This year, the Academy's membership topped 100,000. That's a significant milestone for family medicine. And I'm thankful that so many of you responded to my recent calls for action regarding graduate medical education, Title VII funding, and the sustainable growth rate, or SGR, formula. As of Nov. 21, more than 2,100 members had written more than 5,300 letters to Congress on these three issues, which are vital to the future of our specialty. Thanks to all of you who have joined in these efforts, and thanks to all our members who serve in family medicine leadership positions at the local, state and national levels. dmitchell@aafp.org Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:40:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20111123npeditorial.html http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20111123npeditorial.html There is a growing movement in the United States that seems aimed at expanding the scope of independent practice for nurse practitioners so they can substitute for primary care physicians. However, there is little evidence that nurses can replace primary care physicians effectively. In a 2004 article, researchers with the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews suggested that, "appropriately trained nurses can produce as high quality care as primary care doctors and achieve as good health outcomes for patients." However, the authors went on to acknowledge that the available research on the topic was very limited. A 2009 update did not include any more recent studies. ann@aafp.org Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:25:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/proposal_offers_hope_for_sgr http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/proposal_offers_hope_for_sgr Every year since 2003, Congress has made temporary fixes to the flawed Medicare payment system. Once again, a potential cut is looming that would threaten the viability of our practices and limit patient access to care. Despite the staggering 27.4 percent cut we're faced with starting Jan. 1, we do not want yet another patch on the unworkable sustainable growth rate, or SGR, formula. What we need instead is a permanent fix. Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/spreading_our_message http://blogs.aafp.org/cfr/leadervoices/entry/spreading_our_message Many of you have heard me say that when family physicians work together we can be an unstoppable force. Now you're proving it. I recently asked for your help related to three issues vital to the future of family medicine: protecting funding for graduate medical education, protecting funding for Section 747 of Title VII, and repealing the sustainable growth rate. More than 1,500 of you have responded so far, sending more than 3,200 e-mails to members of Congress. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:55:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20111108pres-msg-pcmhpays.html http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/opinion/20111108pres-msg-pcmhpays.html It has been five years since the AAFP adopted a policy stating that every American should have a "personal medical home." In the years since then, the Academy has championed the idea of the patient-centered medical home, or PCMH, with the belief that the PCMH model improves outcomes and lowers health care costs. Although many of you have started -- and in some cases completed -- the long process of transforming your practices into officially recognized medical homes, some of you have decided that the necessary time, money and effort make it too daunting a task relative to an uncertain financial benefit. In short, you want assurances that your sizable investment will pay off. ann@aafp.org Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:30:00 CST As We See It: Voices From the AAFP