Make Your Voice Heard
05/12/2008 Help determine the future of AAFP leadership by visiting the Web pages of candidates for AAFP offices and the Board of Directors. Read about the candidates, ask them questions and check back later for answers. Then, tell your chapter's delegates to the Congress of Delegates whom you'd want them to vote for when the Congress elects officers and directors Sept. 17 in San Diego.AAFP News Now coverage
Candidate Web page (Members Only)
Smoothing the Transition to the NPI
05/05/2008 The May 23 deadline is fast approaching for using the National Provider Identifier on all electronic Medicare transactions. In the months leading up to that deadline, family physicians have turned to AAFP's NPI resources for help in understanding and using the NPI. The AAFP also went to bat for members recently by signing on to an AMA letter urging CMS to postpone the May 23 deadline because of NPI transition difficulties.AAFP NPI resources
CME to Meet Member Needs
04/07/2008 The Academy continually reviews and refreshes its CME programs and products to meet member needs in the areas of patient care, professional development and practice improvement. Members can access AAFP CME the way they want it -- from weeklong in-depth courses to local sessions for the entire practice team, from print to online, from audio podcast to video DVD.AAFP CME Center
Educating the Media -- With Results
04/28/2008 "Doctor-Patient Plan Seems to Have Merit," trumpets an editorial in the Nashua Telegraph, an influential newspaper in the state of Senate Finance Committee member John Sununu, R-N.H. The Las Vegas Sun, in the state of committee member John Ensign, R-Nev., ran an editorial on access to doctors. In both cases, the newspaper's editors met recently with AAFP leaders and a local FP. The Academy schedules such "editorial board" meetings in key congressional districts to educate the media and their readers about critical family medicine issues.Nashua Telegraph editorial
Las Vegas Sun editorial
Transforming the Family Medicine Practice
04/23/2008 Representatives from 30 family medicine practices gathered recently to share their experiences in the National Demonstration Project of TransforMED, the practice redesign initiative affiliated with the AAFP. The project, ending May 31, has tested how practices would have to change to become patient-centered medical homes. In the coming months, TransforMED will evaluate the project and develop products and services to help physicians across the country transform their practices.•AAFP News Now coverage
•TransforMED National Demonstration Project
Taking Care of an Aging America
04/14/2008 Baby boomers are getting older -- and as they age, millions will rely on family physicians for evidence-based, top-quality senior care. Through the AAFP Foundation, the Academy has secured a three-year, $2.9 million grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies that will enable the Academy to move forward with innovative programs to help FPs enhance their care for aging patients.AAFP News Now coverage
The Atlantic Philanthropies
Pressuring Congress to Fix Medicare Payment
03/31/2008 AAFP leaders have met face to face with most Senate Finance Committee members or their staffs in recent weeks, advocating an 18-month positive update for Medicare physician pay and a replacement for the sustainable growth rate formula. By responding to the Academy's Speak Out alert, family doctors can galvanize congressional support for legislation introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., that addresses the payment crisis.AAFP News Now coverage
Speak Out
Student Interest Jumps Higher in 2008 Match
03/24/2008 There's good news for family medicine in this year's National Resident Matching Program. More family medicine positions were offered through the Match compared with last year, the percentage of positions filled may be the highest ever, and the percentage of U.S. seniors choosing the specialty went up as well. The AAFP's student interest activities helped nurture the upswing.AAFP News Now coverage
2008 Match Summary and Analysis
'Go-To' Resource for Health Issues
03/17/2008 When they need health experts, the media know where to go: the AAFP. National and regional media interviews with Academy leaders are almost a daily occurrence. In addition, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality featured AAFP's Board chair in a video on patient-doctor communication, to appear on some 4,500 Web sites, including those of CNN and ABC News.USA Today story quoting AAFP president
AAFP News Now coverage of AHRQ video
Improving This Web Site for You
03/10/2008 The new look of the Academy's Web site not only reflects AAFP's "bold champion" brand but also brings improvements to the American Family Physician and Family Practice Management Web pages, as well as an enhanced search function.AAFP News Now coverage
Let us know what you think. (Choose "comments/suggestions" as the subject line.)
Stopping Teen Prescription Drug Abuse
03/03/2008 It's a serious public health problem: More than 2 million teens abused prescription drugs in 2006, and most probably obtained the drugs from the home medicine cabinet. In response, the Academy has joined a new White House public awareness campaign on the issue. AAFP's name appears on an "open letter to parents" ad that is running in newspapers nationwide.AAFP News Now coverage
Open letter to parents
The EHR Challenge
02/25/2008 Getting an electronic health record system for your practice is a daunting, expensive task. Turn to AAFP's Center for Health Information Technology for the help you need -- including online tutorials, physician product reviews, networking opportunities, an e-mail discussion list and product discounts exclusively for Academy members. AAFP also speaks out in Washington, urging financial help for family physicians who implement EHRs.• AAFP Center for Health Information Technology
• AAFP News Now coverage
Boosting Medicaid in Hard Times
02/18/2008 It's a fact: Economic downturns bring increased unemployment and more patients needing Medicaid -- but that's also when Medicaid might run out of funds. To boost the program, AAFP and 15 other groups in the Partnership for Medicaid recently called on Congress to temporarily increase the federal Medicaid matching rates for states and localities as part of the economic stimulus package.• Partnership for Medicaid letter (2-page PDF; About PDFs)
• AAFP News Now coverage
A High-Stakes Fight for Medicare Pay
02/11/2008 The Academy has launched an all-out campaign to fight the 10.6 percent Medicare physician pay cut looming in July. Medicare: Stop the Cut makes it easy for physicians and patients to warn Congress how access will suffer -- using posters, sample letters, opinion pieces for newspapers, and patient petitions to send to Congress. AAFP officers and staff will continue working tirelessly in Washington to stop the cut.Medicare: Stop the Cut
AAFP News Now coverage
Promoting the Value of the Medical Home
02/05/2008 There's no doubt: Every American needs to have an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician in a patient-centered medical home. To push this ideal to reality, the AAFP was among the first medical associations to join with major employers, health benefits companies, trade associations and other stakeholders in the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC). The collaborative aggressively advocates the patient-centered medical home concept to legislators and policy makers.• PCPCC Web site
• AAFP News Now coverage
Assessing Your Practice Made Easy
01/28/2008 There's lots of national buzz about the patient-centered medical home model -- but how closely does your practice align with that model? The Academy makes it easy to find out via the free, online assessment tool called TMED Medical Home Vitals, offered by TransforMED, a practice redesign initiative affiliated with the AAFP. Learn how your practice measures up to the medical home model.TMED Medical Home Vitals
AAFP News Now coverage
Environmental Scan Helps AAFP Chart Course for 2008
01/21/2008 It's an election year like never before, with change in the air. What does it mean for the Academy -- and for AAFP members? The 2008 Environmental Scan, with its third-party view of the health care environment, provides clues and suggestions. Armed with this information, AAFP leaders will set the course for bold action on members' behalf. Members can request a copy of the scan by e-mailing ann@aafp.org.AAFP president's message about the scan (Members Only)
Eliminating Practice Hassles
01/15/2008 There's more time for patient care and less expense and hassle when physicians complete one "universal" credentialing form that's accepted by most health care organizations. The Academy was the first medical organization to support the Universal Credentialing DataSource, operated by the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare. AAFP also co-founded the Healthcare Administrative Simplification Coalition, which supports a broad range of activities to reduce the costs of administrative complexity.• Universal Credentialing DataSource
• Healthcare Administrative Simplification Coalition
Leg Up for New-to-Practice FPs
01/07/2008 Residency grads step into uncharted territory when they begin to practice family medicine. Fortunately, the AAFP is there to help with its Experience the AAFP program. Members in their first seven years of practice get CME tools and networking opportunities at reduced cost or free, including discounted registration fees at the Scientific Assembly and board review courses.Experience the AAFP.
Helping FPs Meet Certification Requirements
12/24/2007 AAFP members gearing up for certification or recertification in 2008 can count on the Academy for the help they need. From free online Board Review Questions to Board Review Courses across the country -- from Self-Assessment Module (SAM) Working Groups to the Measuring, Evaluating and Translating Research Into Care (METRIC) practice improvement program -- information on helpful resources is just a mouse click away. Reporting earned CME credits to meet the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) requirement can be done online, too -- the Academy notifies ABFM when the requirement has been met.Maintenance of Certification/Board Review Resources
Securing State Support for the Medical Home
12/17/2007 Thanks to AAFP efforts, the Council of State Governments unanimously endorsed a resolution supporting the Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home that were developed by the AAFP and other medical groups. The resolution encourages states to fund and implement pilot programs to demonstrate the quality, safety, value and effectiveness of the patient-centered medical home.AAFP News Now coverage
Press release on joint principles
Pumping Up Power at the State Level
12/10/2007 Action on many family medicine issues kicks off at the state level. The AAFP's State Legislative Conference Nov. 16-17 in Memphis helped family physicians learn the ropes of state-level advocacy -- from drafting legislation to framing the issues -- and inspired them to leverage the "power of one" into a strong voice that makes a difference.AAFP News Now coverage
Inviting Patients to Advocate Health Care Issues
12/03/2007 To amplify family medicine's voice, the AAFP is inviting health care consumers to speak out. Building on the success of the AAFP’s consumer site, familydoctor.org, which touches more than 3 million consumers a month, the Academy has launched an online advocacy center. Called Family Health Advocate, the center will recruit a cadre of motivated patients to advocate the issues that are important to them and to family medicine.Family Health Advocate
Presidential Hopefuls and Health Care
11/26/2007 Where do presidential candidates stand on health care? You can tell at a glance -- thanks to a grid recently posted to the Academy's "2008 Presidential Campaign" Web page. Based on information from candidates' Web sites, the grid covers such issues as Medicare physician payment, the patient-centered medical home model, preventive and primary care, pay-for-performance programs, and medical liability and tort reform."2008 Presidential Campaign" Web page
AAFP News Now coverage
Supplying the Family Medicine Pipeline
11/19/2007 Family medicine residencies play a critical role in creating the primary care workforce America needs. With HealthLandscape, an interactive Web site developed by the AAFP's Robert Graham Center, it's a snap to create maps that show lawmakers the regional impact of each residency's graduates -- driving home the importance of keeping the residencies open.HealthLandscape
The Nation Acknowledges: FPs Need Better Pay
11/12/2007 A New York Times story acknowledging that family physicians should be paid more ran Nov. 7 -- the same day the AAFP and others in the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative sponsored a national health care summit in Washington, D.C. More than 220 decision makers attended. During the summit, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, founder of the Center for Health Transformation, held aloft the NYT story. Physicians should be rewarded for comprehensive, continuous care, he said.• AAFP News Now coverage of NYT article
• AAFP News Now coverage of PCPCC summit
• Graham Center report on medical home model (32-page PDF; About PDFs)
AAFP Speaks Against Insurance Industry Consolidation
11/05/2007 At a recent hearing before the House Committee on Small Business, AAFP President Jim King, M.D., told lawmakers that consolidation within the health insurance industry has given insurers the power to dictate the terms and conditions of patient coverage and physician payment agreements -- harming patient care and forcing many FPs out of business.• Dr. King's testimony (5-page PDF file; About PDFs)
• AAFP News Now coverage
Advocacy, Enhanced
10/29/2007 Pushing for progress on family medicine's issues in Washington -- that's job #1 for the AAFP. Even better: When a groundswell of family physicians contacts Congress from home -- called "grassroots advocacy" -- the Academy's influence is amplified many times over. And now, new tools and a new grassroots advocacy Web page help members play that grassroots role -- easily and effectively.• Grassroots Web page
• AAFP News Now coverage
The Buck Stops Here Regarding AAFP Policies
10/22/2007 Meeting Oct. 1-3 in Chicago, the AAFP Congress of Delegates forged new Academy policies on such critical issues as health system reform, physician payment and retail health clinics. With two delegates from each constituent chapter -- plus delegates representing new physicians, residents, medical students and AAFP's special constituency groups -- the Congress does its work each year on behalf of all members.• AAFP News Now coverage
• AAFP News Now podcast
Bold Champion for Family Physicians
10/15/2007 What family physicians need from the Academy has changed -- and the Academy is transforming itself in response. AAFP will serve as the specialty's bold champion, kicking off a two-year, multimillion-dollar strategic initiative to represent members with assertive actions, forceful language, and a new brand identity to telegraph the change. A strategic advertising campaign -- one key component of the initiative -- kicked off in the Oct. 5 USA Today and Wall Street Journal.• AAFP's new brand identity
• AAFP News Now strategic initiative coverage
• AAFP News Now ad campaign coverage
Fighting for You in the Coming Year
10/08/2007 AAFP's job #1 is to boldly advocate family physicians' issues -- to government, to insurers, to employers, to the public. Spearheading the charge in the coming year are (from left) Board Chair Rick Kellerman, M.D.; President Jim King, M.D.; and President-elect Ted Epperly, M.D., who were installed at the AAFP Scientific Assembly Oct. 3-6 in Chicago.• AAFP News Now officer election coverage
• AAFP News Now new president's speech coverage
• Officer bios
Source of CME, Source of Passion
10/01/2007 Taking the very best care of patients is the heart and soul of family medicine. This week, more than 5,000 family physicians are gathering in Chicago for the AAFP Scientific Assembly -- the source of the very best CME for family doctors. Selecting from almost 500 sessions, these physicians will learn how to improve patient outcomes and solve practice problems. They'll try clinical procedures. Together with their peers, they'll renew their passion for patient care.• 2007 Scientific Assembly Info
Reliable Health Information Online
09/24/2007 In this day and age, patients frequently turn to the Internet for medical advice -- sometimes even before calling their family physician. Unfortunately, not all material online is reliable. That's why the Academy provides clear, evidence-based health facts through familydoctor.org. Patients -- and their family physicians -- can access dependable health tools, condition information and healthy-living tips 24 hours a day.• familydoctor.org
White-Hot on Fixing Medicare Payment
09/17/2007 Fanning the fire to improve Medicare payment, AAFP President Rick Kellerman, M.D., scaled Capitol Hill Sept. 6 to urge an increase in the Medicare physician payment rate in 2008 and 2009. Through such visits, letters, and an urgent "call to action" asking members to e-mail Congress via Speak Out, the AAFP pressures Congress to give family doctors the Medicare pay they need to keep their practices alive.• AAFP News Now president's message
• AAFP News Now story
• Send a message to your lawmaker
AAFP Honored for Exemplary CME
09/10/2007 Upon its founding, the Academy became the first national medical specialty society to include continuing medical education as a requirement of membership. Through the years, the AAFP has been committed to developing innovative CME to meet its members' needs. And now, the Academy's CME program has been recognized with "Accreditation with Commendation for Excellence," an honor bestowed on only 8 percent of providers accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.• CME Center
• Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
• AAFP News Now article
Longtime Leader in Immunization Policies
08/31/2007 Reflecting family physicians' commitment to preventive medicine, the Academy long has worked in conjunction with the CDC to help establish immunization schedules for children, adolescents and adults. The AAFP offers multiple resources on immunizations so members can stay abreast of official recommendations and policies -- on influenza immunizations, school entry mandates for human papillomavirus vaccine and more.• AAFP Immunization Resources
• AAFP News Now article
Striving to Ease Residents' Burdens
08/27/2007 Since 2006, the Academy has pushed Congress for financial breathing room for family medicine residents. That relief may be in sight: Bills recently passed in the U.S. Senate and House would eliminate the three-year limit on economic hardship deferments for medical student loans. If signed into law, the measure would allow future FPs to enhance their training in four-year programs or fellowships without financial fears.• AAFP debt relief policy
• AAFP News Now article
Better Prescribing Through Technology
08/20/2007 The AAFP has joined other health care stakeholders to launch an enterprise that will boost e-prescribing efforts. The Center for Improving Medication Management will gather and disseminate best practices for deployment of technology that electronically links physicians, pharmacists and patients. The Academy's seat at the table will ensure that the best practices are in harmony with the tenets of family medicine and the patient-centered medical home.• Center for Improving Medication Management
• AAFP news release
• AAFP News Now article
The Real Future of Family Medicine
08/13/2007 Inspiring, educating and nurturing the specialty's next generation of leaders are critical responsibilities for the AAFP. At the recent National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students, attendees heard from top-level speakers, participated in hands-on educational sessions (see photo), helped shape policy recommendations to the AAFP -- and had fun!• National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students
• AAFP News Now on student and resident congresses
• ANN on Academy President Kellerman's address
• ANN on former Surgeon General Satcher's address
Academy Touts Value of Specialty
08/06/2007 The AAFP makes it easy to spread the word: Family medicine is vital to fixing the nation's health care system. Through a bibliography of research articles and a recently added video with renowned researcher Barbara Starfield, M.D. (pictured at right), the Robert Graham Center's "Value of Family Medicine" online resource compiles all the information you need in one simple-to-use location.• Value of Family Medicine
• AAFP News Now article
• AAFP News Now guest column
AAFP Efforts Push Progress
07/30/2007 The Academy's deft touch on Capitol Hill is paying off as key family medicine issues get the attention they deserve. AAFP has struck new alliances to push through reauthorization of SCHIP, currently a hot-button issue in Washington. The House version of the SCHIP bill also would abolish the SGR and increase Medicare payment for 2008 and 2009.• Send a message to your lawmaker
• SCHIP alliance news release
• AAFP News Now SCHIP coverage
AAFP Is Keeping Pressure on Payers
07/23/2007 Academy leaders and staff sat down face-to-face with the nation's largest health insurance companies in recent months, helping shape hot-button issues vital to the interests of family physicians. Among the topics addressed were payment for same-day acute and preventive services, physician performance programs, retail health clinics, and payment for immunizations.• Private Sector Advocacy resources
• AAFP News Now article
AAFP Hammers Away at Message on SGR Fix
07/16/2007 AAFP President Rick Kellerman, M.D., sat down recently for face-to-face meetings with top congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle, then addressed the media that same day. The message? The 10 percent drop in Medicare payment rates scheduled for 2008 must be halted and the payment formula scrapped.• AAFP News Now article
• News release
Academy Victorious With Vaccine Resolution
07/09/2007 The AAFP held its ground, securing support for primary care practices during heated debate at the recent AMA House of Delegates. Thanks to an Academy resolution, the AMA will prod vaccine suppliers to provide adequate amounts of affordable vaccines to medical practices, delivered on time.• AAFP News Now article
• AMA House of Delegates report -- see Item 22 (PDF file: 39 pages/219 KB. More about PDFs.)
Google Taps Academy Expertise
07/02/2007 Yet another business giant has turned to the AAFP for its knowledge and leadership in primary care. Last week, Google Inc. announced the formation of the Google Health Advisory Council, which includes AAFP EVP Douglas Henley, M.D. "We want to work with people who have health expertise to figure out what we can do that will be useful to our customers … and get answers to people about their health issues," says Google Vice President Adam Bosworth. Google also turned to Academy experts in health information technology to gain a better understanding of the continuity of care record, or CCR, standard. Google announced its support of the CCR in May and will be working to support additional standards as well.• Google's announcement
• AAFP News Now article
The Media Marathon
06/25/2007 You sometimes have to get up pretty early to promote the value of family medicine. On June 20, AAFP President Rick Kellerman, M.D., did just that, rising before 3:30 a.m. to spread the word about an Academy survey on men's health and the importance of having a personal medical home. In 24 consecutive interviews, Kellerman spoke to television and radio journalists from markets large and small -- from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Biloxi, Miss. But that's just one example. AAFP leaders and staff work daily to ensure family physicians continue to be recognized as the experts on primary care. From CNBC to the Wall Street Journal to CBS' The Early Show, AAFP leaders are quoted and the specialty's worth is recognized.• AAFP press release
• AAFP News Now article
Forging the Path Toward the Medical Home
06/18/2007 The Academy was an instrumental partner in defining the medical home, and that definition is being espoused, embraced and -- now -- enacted into law. Colorado is the first state to go on record as advocating the Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home, directly referencing the principles in a new law regarding children's health. The AAFP, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Osteopathic Association worked together to develop the principles.• Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PDF file: 3 Pages/36 KB. More information on using PDF files.)
• Colorado S.B. 130 (PDF file: 5 Pages/32 KB. More information on using PDF files.)
• AAFP News Now article
An Even Stronger Voice in D.C.
06/11/2007 FamMedPAC is only two years old, but already it has helped elect or re-elect 75 members of Congress who are sympathetic to the interests of family medicine. Thanks to family physicians' donations to the AAFP's political action committee, the Academy's voice rings even louder on Capitol Hill.• FamMedPAC Web site
• "As We See It: Voices From the AAFP" editorial (Members Only)
• Contribute to FamMedPAC
Make Your Voice Heard
06/04/2007 Help influence the face and the future of AAFP leadership. Eight candidates are seeking election or re-election to AAFP offices and the Board of Directors. The Academy offers these tools to get informed, get involved and make your voice heard:Read candidates' views at AAFP Candidate Web Sites, and query candidates in "Question/Answer Forums" and check back for answers (Members Only)
Your chapter delegates will elect leaders at the Congress of Delegates on Oct. 3 in Chicago. Make sure they know whom you want them to choose -- and why. Better yet, attend the Congress of Delegates and offer testimony to help mold the discussion of the issues AAFP will confront.
Primary Care in the Presidential Primary
05/29/2007 Health care issues already are hot buttons in the presidential campaign, so the Academy has launched a Web-based resource to help members make informed decisions. The site includes synopses of candidates' health care agendas; links to videos of debates, speeches and events; and a calendar of candidate appearances, debates, and primaries and caucuses. Updates and new features will be posted regularly so you can stay of top of the political scramble.• Campaign for U.S. President 2008
• AAFP News Now coverage
Center Stage for Primary Care
05/21/2007 Continuing its lead advocacy role on behalf of the patient-centered medical home, the AAFP recently joined major U.S. employers and other key physician groups to announce the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative. The group is pursuing an aggressive legislative agenda to reform the health care system based on the medical home model, which focuses on the patient and an ongoing relationship between the patient and his or her personal physician.• AAFP press release
• AAFP News Now coverage
• Collaborative Web site
Bold Voice for Specialty on Capitol Hill
05/14/2007 Taking the message straight to the decision-makers, AAFP President Rick Kellerman, M.D., recently told members of Congress that a patient-centered medical home is imperative to a restructured Medicare payment system. "More than 20 years of evidence shows that having a health care system based on primary care reduces costs and benefits the patient's health," Kellerman testified before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health. Decrying the current Medicare system, Kellerman emphasized that the sustainable growth rate is, in fact, unsustainable.• AAFP News Now story
• Testimony
Other Publications
Advocacy
Working For You
Libby's Day (*PDF file)
Clinical
Medical Students & Residents
New to Practice
(*PDF file. About PDFs)
