Family Medicine Update, June 21-25, 2021. It’s all about family medicine. Stay current on the latest recommendations and care strategies for patients of all ages with this special livestream event.
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Access a library of journal audio article recordings only in the mobile app.
Stay Dialed In on the Fight for Family Medicine
AAFP Digital Assistant Pilot Opportunities Available
June 16, 2021 — CMS’ recent increase in Medicare reimbursement for at-home COVID-19 vaccine administration represents a win for primary care physicians treating homebound patients.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has finalized a recommendation regarding behavioral counseling interventions aimed at promoting healthy weight gain and preventing excess gestational weight gain in pregnancy.
CDC Studies Compare Antibiotic Use Before, During Pandemic
Mixed Results
Two CDC-funded studies shed light on antibiotic prescribing trends seen during the pandemic, noting that although short-term increases were seen among agents touted as potential COVID treatment options, overall prescribing was down compared with previous years.
Task Force Lowers Recommended Age to Start CRC Screening
Final Recommendation
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has finalized its updated recommendation for colorectal cancer screening, lowering the age at which to begin screening from 50 to 45 years.
New Tools Guide Lifestyle Medicine Integration for FPs
Comprehensive Resources
The AAFP recently launched new tools to assist family physicians in counseling patients on diet, exercise, stress management and other aspects of lifestyle medicine, as well as in billing and coding for these services.
The latest installment in the <i>FPM</i> journal’s supplement series on value-based payment, “Innovative Care Delivery: Behavioral Health Integration and Home-based Primary Care,” highlights these two alternative care solutions.
CMS Names Winners of AI Health Outcomes Challenge
Innovative Tools Sought
CMS has named data science platform ClosedLoop.ai the winner of its Artificial Intelligence Health Outcomes Challenge. The AAFP was the sole medical professional organization sponsoring the competition.
AAFP Tools Ease Patient Risk Stratification, Care Planning
Two New Resources
The AAFP’s Risk-Stratified Care Management Scoring Algorithm and Risk-Stratified Care Management Rubric can help stratify patients into risk levels based on various health variables.
NASEM Report Heralds Primary Care Evolution, Urges Action
Boost Primary Care Investment
A new report on primary care from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine reinforces several of the Academy’s long-standing advocacy positions.
In a pair of recent letters to federal lawmakers, the AAFP expressed support for legislation that would bolster the primary care workforce, particularly in rural areas.
Health IT Roundtable, White Paper Reflect AAFP Leadership
Extend Telehealth Policies
Following the AAFP’s participation in a recent multi-stakeholder forum, the resulting white paper offers detailed suggestions on improving health IT in the wake of COVID-19.
AAFP Lauds Senate Bill Targeting Medicaid Pay Parity
Advocacy Pays Off
In the wake of extensive lobbying efforts by the AAFP and hundreds of its members, a bill reintroduced in the Senate would restore Medicaid parity with Medicare payment.
Practices Need Smooth Handoff to New APM Model, AAFP Says
Academy Provides Guidance
The AAFP recently joined with scores of other organizations to offer CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation detailed advice on improving alternative payment models.
Each year, the AAFP asks every family medicine residency to complete its census. Program director Monica Newton, D.O., M.P.H., explains why the census is critical to the Academy’s efforts related to the primary care workforce.
Free CME on Maternal Health Care Available Now
Free Online Learning
Family physicians and other clinicians can earn free CME about maternal health care thanks to an online program offered by HHS’ Office of Minority Health.
Historic Level of NHSC Loan Repayment Funds Available
American Rescue Plan Funds
The National Health Service Corps is expected to make an unprecedented number of awards to health professionals through its loan repayment programs. The deadline to apply is May 6.
Match Day Is a Record-breaker for Family Medicine
Another Year of Gains
Match Day 2021 marked 12 years of growth for family medicine and the 10th consecutive year that an all-time record number of students had matched into the specialty.
Meet the family physicians at the forefront of the specialty who are going the extra mile to care for their patients and communities.
<center><i>Latest post from AAFP President Ada Stewart, M.D.:</i> <b>Remembering Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for Our Nation</b></center>
Fresh Perspectives
New Docs in Practice
<b>Share Your Burden of Grief and Find Joy on the Other Side</b><p> </p>Like so many physicians, Lalita Abhyankar, M.D., M.H.S., has experienced grief on an unprecedented scale this past year. In this Fresh Perspectives blog post, she shares how she has come to acknowledge her grief and use it to begin healing.
Leader Voices Blog
An AAFP Leaders Forum
<b>Students and Residents, Take the Lead</b><p> </p>AAFP resident and student leadership positions for the 2021-2022 academic year are open for applications. Resident Anna Askari, M.D., M.S.B.S., explains how state and national leadership roles shaped her path.
In the Trenches
AAFP Advocacy Updates
<b>Congress Is Listening to Us About Rural Health Care</b><p> </p>This latest blog post notes that two new bills in Congress reflect diligent advocacy by the Academy and its members, but more work remains.
FPs on the Front Lines
Meeting the Challenge
<b>Stop Talking About Physician Well-being; Work to Change It</b><p> </p>The extra stress physicians experience during the pandemic has amplified the need to preserve mental health and highlighted health system failings. Kyle Jones, M.D., shares his thoughts on what to do about it.
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