New Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for 2021-2022 Season
The AAFP has approved updated recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on the use of influenza vaccines for the 2021-2022 season.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210916acipflu.html
AAFP Calls on CMS to Act to Stabilize Primary Care Practices
The Academy’s detailed comments on CMS’ 2022 Medicare physician fee schedule and Quality Payment Program proposed rule pressed for policy improvements on a number of fronts.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210916mpfscomments.html
Join Leading Physician Well-being’s 2022 Cohort
Leading Physician Well-being, a tuition-free program from the AAFP and United Health Foundation that seeks to foster physician leadership skills to promote and maintain stability, boost team morale, and support well-being in the workplace, is seeking applicants for the 2022 program.
AAFP News : Focus on Physician Well-being
https://www.aafp.org/news/focus-on-physician-well-being/20210915lpwcohort2.html
It’s High Time We Took the Tech Bull by the Horns
Family physicians need to carve out a definitive role in the development of new health technologies so those solutions fit the needs of robust primary care practices, says Lalita Abhyankar, M.D., in this Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20210913fp-healthtech.html
Candidates Sought for AAFP 2021-22 Health Equity Fellowship
The AAFP and Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors are seeking family physicians to apply for the 2021-22 Health Equity Fellowship; applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. CT on Oct. 15.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/20210909hefellowship.html
Osteopathic Workshop to Emphasize Comprehensive Approach
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center physician Jarrod Harrall, D.O., answers our questions about The Osteopathic Approach: FMX Preconference Workshop.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20210909doapproach.html
Surprise Billing Rule Shouldn’t Levy New Burdens, AAFP Says
The AAFP recently expressed support for new patient protections but called on CMS to minimize unnecessary regulatory burdens on primary care practices.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210909billingrule.html
USPSTF Lowers Screening Age for Prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes
On Aug. 24, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted a final recommendation statement, final evidence review and evidence summary on screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210908uspstfdiabetes.html
ONC Webinar to Outline How Information Blocking Affects You
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology will host a Sept. 14 webinar designed to update physicians on the finer points of recently implemented information-blocking regulations.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210908infoblockwebinar.html
AAFP Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendation
The AAFP’s updated recommendation on colorectal cancer screening differs slightly from that of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, including a finding that there is insufficient evidence to assess the benefits and harms of screening adults ages 45 to 49.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210901crcscreening.html
Medical Student Finding Ways to Connect with Patients, Peers
Communication is the common thread in the numerous projects medical student Valentina Sedlacek is undertaking to help patients and draw her peers to family medicine.
AAFP News : Family Doc Focus
https://www.aafp.org/news/family-doc-focus/20210830fdf-sedlacek.html
Mark Your Calendar: New Dates Set for 2021 COD Regular Session
The in-person Regular Session of the 2021 Congress of Delegates that previously had been postponed because of COVID-19 concerns will be held Feb. 5-7, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/20210826codregsession.html
USPSTF: Screen Pregnant Patients for Gestational Diabetes
On Aug. 10, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published a final recommendation statement that recommends screening for gestational diabetes in asymptomatic pregnant patients at 24 weeks gestation or later.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210825uspstfgd.html
Participants Share Lessons Learned From Virtual Match
With another residency interview season approaching, AAFP News gathered a program director, a student advisor and an intern to get their insights from the 2021 virtual Match and their thoughts regarding 2022. Read more in this QandA.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20210824matchqa.html
ACIP Revises Immunization Best Practice Guidelines
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made a series of updates to its General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization on Aug. 10 to provide clinicians with the latest guidance and address patient concerns.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210823acipbestpract.html
Three New Reports Highlight Importance of COVID Vaccination
Three new CDC studies reviewed the effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines in preventing infections and hospitalizations, and an AAFP commission chair highlights takeaways for FPs.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210820mmwrcovidvaccs.html
Review Examines Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents
New research published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report examines the safety of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210819mmwrcovidvacc.html
Dollars and Sense: Budget Resolution Addresses AAFP Priorities
The $3.5 trillion budget resolution set to dominate political conversation this fall reflects several AAFP priorities, Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Stephanie Quinn writes in the In the Trenches blog.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20210817itt-2022budget.html
Patient Awareness of the Importance of Immunizations
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder both of the importance of vaccines in protecting community health, and of the immunization-related resources the Academy offers members.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210816immmonth.html
Veteran Mentor Finding New Ways to Help Students
Longtime mentor Rick Kellerman, M.D., recently honored by the AAFP for his outstanding support of a family medicine interest group, has found success in efforts to bring more FPs to rural areas.
AAFP News : Family Doc Focus
https://www.aafp.org/news/family-doc-focus/20210816fdf-kellerman.html
Panelists Outline Anti-racism Advocacy Strategies for Students
Panelists at the 2021 National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students identified six strategies medical students can take to help diversify the physician workforce and improve outcomes for patients of color.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20210812nc-antiracism.html
2022 Payment Adjustments for 2020 MIPS Performance Posted
CMS has released 2020 performance feedback for the Quality Payment Program’s Merit-based Incentive Payment System. MIPS-eligible clinicians can obtain their performance feedback, final score and MIPS payment adjustment information for 2022 from the QPP website.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210812mips2020feedback.html
CDC Updates Guidance on Treatment of STIs
The CDC released updated guidance on treating sexually transmitted infections; a family physician has identified several points of particular interest to FPs.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210811stiguidlines.html
Administration Extends Pause on Student Loan Repayments
The U.S. Department of Education has extended a pause on student loan repayment, interest and collections until early next year, and the Academy continues to press for more relief.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210811studentdebt.html
Statement of Strong Medical Consensus for Vaccination of Pregnant Individuals Against ...
Statement of Strong Medical Consensus for Vaccination of Pregnant Individuals Against COVID-19
AAFP News : Media Center
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/statements/covid-vaccine-pregnant-individuals.html
Drug Overdose Deaths Reached New High in 2020, Says CDC
A CDC report estimated that more than 93,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2020, with most deaths attributable to misuse of opioids. The AAFP offers resources to help FPs address substance use.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210806overdosedeaths.html
Academy Sees Health Equity Boost in Proposed HHS Rule
The AAFP supports proposed federal rulemaking that would increase access to comprehensive primary care coverage.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210805pprule.html
Sports and Medical Organizations Encourage COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations be Part of ...
Sports and Medical Organizations Encourage COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations be Part of all Sports Physicals
AAFP News : Media Center
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/statements/covid-vaccine-sports-physicals.html
AAFP Supports Recent COVID-19 Safety Guidance From CDC
AAFP Supports Recent COVID-19 Safety Guidance From CDC
AAFP News : Media Center
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/statements/aafp-supports-covid-safety-guidance.html
CDC Recommends Masks in Schools, COVID-19 Hot Spots
The CDC, in response to increased circulation of the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, updated its guidance to recommend use of masks in schools, as well as in other indoor locations in areas with substantial COVID-19 transmission rates, regardless of vaccination status.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210729covidmasks.html
AAFP Joins Push to Immunize Health Workers Against COVID-19
The AAFP and more than 50 other medical groups on July 26 urged every health care and long-term care employer to require workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210728covidvacc.html
Joint Statement in Support of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for All Workers in Health and ...
Joint Statement in Support of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for All Workers in Health and Long-Term Care
AAFP News : Media Center
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/statements/covid-vaccine-mandates.html
CME Aims to Boost Immunization Rates in Black Communities
The AAFP, through a cooperative agreement with the CDC, has unveiled a comprehensive CME program designed to increase adult immunization rates among African American patients.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20210722immcme.html
Closing the Gaps on Health Disparities
FMX speaker Andrea Westby, M.D., is challenging race-based clinical practices and working to diversify the family medicine workforce.
AAFP News : Family Doc Focus
https://www.aafp.org/news/family-doc-focus/20210720fdf-westby.html
New CME Helps Family Physicians Fight Imposter Syndrome
A new, member-exclusive CME activity on overcoming imposter syndrome aims to support family physicians who are underrepresented in medicine.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20210719impostercme.html
Time to Report on CARES Act’s Provider Relief Fund Payments
Physicians who received payments through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act’s Provider Relief Fund that exceeded $10,000 total from April 10-June 30, 2020, are required to report on the use of those funds during the current reporting period between now and Sept. 30, ...
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210713prfreporting.html
Family Medicine Groups Join Call for Another Virtual Match
The AAFP and other family medicine organizations have issued recommendations for the 2021-22 Match cycle, including direction regarding virtual interviews, and the Academy has several resources to assist in the process.
AAFP News : CME
https://www.aafp.org/news/education-professional-development/20210709match2022.html
AAFP-PT Orders for 2022 Now Being Accepted
If you’re one of the majority of family physicians who have chosen to streamline the care you offer patients by performing many of your own laboratory tests using AAFP Proficiency Testing, you should know that you can now access the program’s 2022 specimen catalog and order forms.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210708aafp-pt2022.html
Family Medicine RapSDI Program 2021 Scholars Announced
Following a lengthy application process, the Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation initiative has selected two RapSDI scholars for 2021.
AAFP News : Inside the Academy
https://www.aafp.org/news/inside-aafp/20210707rapsdi.html
We’ll Take Every Opportunity to Push for Real Health Equity
In recent letters to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget, the Academy again showed leaders the map for improving health equity. All of its roads lead to primary care.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20210706itt-equity.html
Committee Reviews Vaccines for COVID-19, Influenza, More
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made recommendations regarding COVID-19, dengue, influenza, rabies, zoster and pneumococcal disease during a virtual meeting June 23-25.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210701acip.html
Research Finds Less STI Testing, More Cases During Pandemic
An analysis of sexually transmitted infection test results found that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant declines in testing but an increase in positivity for chlamydia and gonorrhea. A family physician offers suggestions for using the findings in patient discussions.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210701sticovid.html
Never Say Never: Social Media Can Be a Force for Good
MaryAnn Dakkak, M.D., M.S.P.H., writes that it takes a village in the digital age means children need to be able to turn to trusted adults not only in person but on social media, too.
AAFP News : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20210625fp-socialmedia.html
AAFP Keeps Vaccine Pressure on Congress; White House Praises FPs
In recent written testimony to Congress, the Academy reiterated family physicians’ crucial role in vaccination counseling and delivery and called for robust funding for education and outreach campaigns to encourage routine immunizations and build vaccine confidence.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210624vaxtestimony.html
Pride Month: Academy Updates LGBTQ Health Toolkit
In recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the AAFP has updated its LGBTQ Health Toolkit webpage with links to more than 20 related articles and blog posts, CME products, and policy statements.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210617lgbtqtoolkit.html
FAQ, Webinar Aim to Clarify How to Apply New E/M Guidelines
Six months have passed since the 2021 office visit/outpatient evaluation and management guidelines took effect, but many physicians still have questions about how to apply them. A new FAQ and upcoming webinar from the AAFP promise to provide answers.
AAFP News : Practice and Career
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210616e-mresources.html
Academy Rolls Out New Tobacco Cessation Resources
The AAFP, with a supporting grant from the CVS Health Foundation, has developed several new tobacco cessation resources that members can download and use to help patients at the point of care.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210616ask-act-resources.html
Family Medicine Laid Foundation for Public Health Career
Education and training in family medicine and public health led Tony Kuo, M.D., M.S.H.S., to a key role in the nation’s largest county.
AAFP News : Family Doc Focus
https://www.aafp.org/news/family-doc-focus/20210614fdf-kuo.html
Health IT Roundtable, White Paper Reflect AAFP Leadership
Following the AAFP’s participation, a recent roundtable and white paper offer detailed suggestions on improving health IT in the wake of COVID-19.
AAFP News : Advocacy and Government
https://www.aafp.org/news/government-medicine/20210610healthit.html
Task Force: Offer Interventions for Healthy Weight in Pregnancy
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.
AAFP News : Patient Care
https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20210610pregnancyweight.html