Revisit Medicaid Payment, Protect Network Adequacy, AAFP Tells CMS
In a letter to CMS, the Academy expressed support for the agency's streamlining goals while voicing several key concerns about payment and telehealth standards.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20190125managedcareltr.html
USPSTF: Offer Medication to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently issued a draft recommendation for prescribing risk-reducing medications to women at increased risk for breast cancer and low risk for adverse medication effects.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190125breastcarx.html
AAFP Seeks Flexibility in Medicare GME Funding Cap
The AAFP asked CMS to allow more flexibility in the cap on Medicare support for graduate medical education to help offset the shortage of family physicians.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20190124gmecap.html
AAFP Weighs in With Its 'Vision for the Future
The AAFP responded to a draft report by the American Board of Medical Specialties Vision for the Future Commission with recommendations to make continuing board certification work for family physicians.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20190123visioncomments.html
CDC Launches Vaccinating Children Video Series
On Jan. 15, the CDC launched an educational video series for parents explaining how vaccines for their children work.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190123vaccinevideo.html
New Research Finds Rise in Pediatric Deaths From Opioids
Findings from an analysis of CDC mortality data suggest that the number of opioid-related deaths in children each year may be much higher than previously reported.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190118pedopioids.html
Study: EHRs Contribute to Family Physician Stress, Burnout
A survey of nearly 1,800 physicians in Rhode Island found that the use of electronic health records contributes significantly to stress and burnout among physicians.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20190116ehrstudy.html
AAFP Outlines Quality Measurement Strategy for Primary Care
The AAFP has created a position paper on quality measurement for primary care that features six guiding principles aimed at helping steer future development and use of measurement in practice improvement and physician payment.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20190114measurespaper.html
Eligible Clinicians: Report 2018 MIPS Data Through April 2
Eligible clinicians have until April 2 to submit data for the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance year.
AAFP News : MACRA Ready
https://www.aafp.org/news/macra-ready/20190114mipssubmission.html
Screen Pregnant Women for HBV at First Prenatal Visit
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on Jan. 8 that discussed screening pregnant women for hepatitis B virus infection.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190114hepbscreen.html
ABMS Continuing Certification Initiative Issues Draft Report
Last month, the Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission convened by the American Board of Medical Specialties and its member boards released a draft report of its findings and recommendations, and is inviting further public comment.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20190111abmsvision.html
USPSTF Takes First Step to Address Opioid Use Disorder
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently posted a draft research plan on preventing opioid use disorder that includes a focus on interventions to prevent initiation or minimize use of opioids, inviting public comment until Jan. 16.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190111oudprevresearchplan.html
FDA: Fluoroquinolones Boost Risk of Aortic Ruptures, Tears
The FDA has issued a drug safety announcement advising that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can increase the risk for aortic ruptures or tears. This class of antibiotics should be used in at-risk patients only if no other treatment options are available, warns the agency.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190109fluoroquinolones.html
Consumer Health Group Warns of Loperamide Abuse, Misuse
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association wants to ensure family physicians know that high doses of loperamide can have serious -- even fatal -- cardiac effects. The group has launched a Loperamide Safety education campaign to get the word out to clinicians and patients.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20190109loperamideabuse.html
AAFP to CMS: Make 2019 MPFS Work for FPs, Primary Care
In a recent letter to CMS, the AAFP made recommendations on ways the agency can change portions of the 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule to better support family physicians.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20190109mpfscomment.html
ENDS Not a Means to Achieve Youth Cessation, AAFP Tells FDA
The AAFP recently told the FDA in no uncertain terms that electronic nicotine delivery systems are not an evidence-based method for youth nicotine cessation.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20190108youthends.html
Transitional Care Management Boosts Outcomes, Satisfaction
Marc Price, D.O., writes that embracing transitional care management gave his practice a modest boost in revenue, better outcomes, and significant improvements in patient and staff satisfaction.
AAFP News : As We See It: Voices From the AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/news/opinion/20190107guested-tcm.html
Telehealth Rules Must Protect Continuous Care, AAFP Tells CMS
The AAFP recently responded to CMS' request for comments on a Medicare Advantage plan proposed rule for 2020 that deals with telemedicine.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20190107matelehealth.html
Physician Well-being: Building on a Strong Foundation
AAFP News spoke with AAFP Senior Vice President for Education Clif Knight, M.D., about the Academy's ongoing plans to address family physicians' risk for burnout and promote physician well-being and resilience.
AAFP News : Focus on Physician Well-being
https://www.aafp.org/news/focus-on-physician-well-being/20190102physwellbeing.html
New Research Examines Diversity in Family Medicine
New research shows that although the family physician workforce has diversified over the past 30 years, some racial and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20190102jabfmdiversity.html
AAFP Voices Support for CMS Drug Transparency Proposal
In a Dec. 12 letter, the AAFP welcomed a proposed CMS rule that would require prices to be included in prescription drug commercials.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20181219rxpriceltr.html
Familydoctor.org Adds New Writing Opportunity for Members
For the first time, the AAFP's award-winning consumer website familydoctor.org is accepting content submissions about patient care experiences from family physicians who are interested in authoring patient education materials.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/20181219writefd-org.html
Survey Breaks Down Clinicians' Views on Transgender Care
A new report in the Annals of Family Medicine indicates that most -- but not all -- primary care clinicians are willing to provide care for transgender patients, but some feel unprepared to do so.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181214transgendercare.html
Researchers Make the Case for Home-based Medical Care
Noting an increase in the use of home-based medical care in the United States, researchers conclude that more primary care clinicians willing to provide this type of care are needed, and they call for improvements in value-based payment to help fill that gap.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181212homecare.html
CDC Data Show U.S. Life Expectancy Continues to Decline
A series of data briefs from the CDC shows that life expectancy in the United States dropped for the second time in three years, with deaths from drug overdose and suicide largely responsible for the decline.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181210lifeexpectdrop.html
AAFP Joins Other Groups to Develop Well-Woman Resource
The Women's Preventive Services Initiative from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has created a chart summarizing age-based preventive service recommendations for women from adolescence to maturity that physicians can use during well-woman visits.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181206wpsichart.html
USPSTF: Research Lacking on Child Maltreatment Interventions
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has posted a final recommendation statement and final evidence review on primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment, stating that evidence is insufficient to assess the harms and benefits of such interventions.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181205uspstf-childabuse.html
Close Tobacco-friendly Loopholes in Trade Deal, Groups Urge
The AAFP has joined 23 other organizations in advising that a new U.S.-Japan trade treaty should protect both countries against lawsuits from the tobacco industry.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20181204tobaccotrade.html
Utilize CCM Codes to Maximize Patient Care, Payment
Use of chronic care management codes can help family physicians deliver reimbursable coordinated care for patients with two or more chronic diseases.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181130ccmcoding.html
Familydoctor.org Helps Spread Flu Prevention Message
Familydoctor.org has created an online communications toolkit to help family physicians amplify key flu prevention messages to their patients this influenza season.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181130famdocflukit.html
USPSTF Recommends HIV Screening for Patients Ages 15-65
On Nov. 20, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted draft recommendation statements and draft evidence reports on screening for HIV, as well as for preventing HIV infection in those at increased risk.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181128uspstf-hiv.html
AHA/ACC Issue New Cholesterol Management Guideline
On Nov. 10, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released a new cholesterol guideline that includes recommendations for more personalized risk assessments and new cholesterol-lowering drug options for people at the highest risk for cardiovascular disease.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181128ahaacccholesterol.html
Study Examines Fallout of California Vaccine Exemption Law
Study results show that although immunization rates for children entering kindergarten in California are near record levels, the number of medical exemptions for childhood vaccinations has increased substantially since a 2015 law banned nonmedical exemptions.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181127califvaccstudy.html
New Guidelines Trust Takes Place of AHRQ Clearinghouse
New research published in Annals of Family Medicine explores whether and when older patients are receptive to discussions about long-term life expectancy with their physicians.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181126lifeexpectancy.html
Mapping a Path to Good Health
Paul Ravenna, M.D., is studying how geographic information systems can help improve health care and how physicians can be trained to use those tools to help patients.
AAFP News : Family Doc Focus
https://www.aafp.org/news/family-doc-focus/20181126fdf-ravenna.html
Even an Occasional Cigarette Greatly Boosts Mortality Risk
A study recently published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that compared with people who never smoked, lifelong nondaily smokers had a 72 percent higher overall mortality risk, as well as increased mortality risks from a number of specific conditions, such as...
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181121nondailysmkrs.html
HHS Unveils Revamped Physical Activity Guidelines
HHS has published an expanded second edition of its Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that includes new information on the benefits of regular physical activity.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181120physactivguidelines.html
Pennsylvania Moves to Cut Administrative Burden on MAT
Pennsylvania and seven major insurers have agreed to end prior authorization for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20181120pennpriorauth.html
Screen All Adults for Unhealthy Alcohol Use, Says USPSTF
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has posted a final recommendation statement that calls for primary care clinicians to screen all adults, including pregnant women, for unhealthy alcohol use.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181114uspstfalcohol.html
Study Reveals Troubling Test Scores of Assistant Physicians
Researchers found that a new category of medical licensure in Missouri drew individuals with lower pass rates on standard licensing exams and did not adequately address the problem of medically underserved areas.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181109asstphys.html
America’s Frontline Physicians Oppose the Administration’s Decision to Jeopardize ...
America’s Frontline Physicians Oppose the Administration’s Decision to Jeopardize Access to Women’s Preventive Care
AAFP News : Media Center
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/more-statements/contraceptive-access-rules.html
USPSTF: More Research Needed on Screening for Lead Exposure
In a draft statement, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels in children and asymptomatic pregnant women.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181107uspstf-lead.html
CDC Provides Influenza Updates, New Clinician Resources
The CDC recently issued an update on the current flu season and published resources to help clinicians make a strong recommendation that their patients receive the flu vaccine.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181107cdcflu.html
Survey Takes Hard Look at Physician-Patient Conversations
A new Harris Poll survey indicates that considerable gaps exist in communication between patients and primary care physicians, with physicians tending to focus more on physical well-being and treatments than on other factors important to patients, such as mental health, diet and sleep.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181107doc-patientcomms.html
End of 2018 MIPS Program Performance Year Looms
Physicians must have an Enterprise Identity Data Management account user ID and password to submit 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance data to CMS.
AAFP News : MACRA Ready
https://www.aafp.org/news/macra-ready/2011081105mipsyearend.html
Leading From Within the Health Care System
Ajoy Kumar, M.D., realized as an intern just how broken our health care system is. He's been working to change that ever since.
AAFP News : Family Doc Focus
https://www.aafp.org/news/family-doc-focus/20181105fdf-kumar.html
PrEP Your High-risk Patients to Help Protect Them From HIV
Jeffrey Kirchner, D.O., AAHIVS, outlines how family physicians can determine whether a patient could benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV.
AAFP News : As We See It: Voices From the AAFP
https://www.aafp.org/news/opinion/20181102prephiv.html
Burnout in Residency Coordinators Tied to Job Satisfaction
A study published in the October issue of Family Medicine reports on job satisfaction and burnout among family medicine residency coordinators in the United States.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20181101fmrcoords.html
Family Physicians Remind Patients to Guard Children from Accidental Overdose
Family Physicians Remind Consumers to Guard Children from Accidental Overdose
AAFP News : Media Center
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/more-releases/opioids.html
ACIP Recommends Hep A Vaccine for Homeless Patients
During the Oct. 24-25 meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the group discussed topics including recommending the hepatitis A vaccine for people who are homeless.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20181031acipmeeting.html