The Illogical Cost of Care: Why Do We Stand for It?
Allison Edwards, M.D., and colleagues banded together to erase more than $1 million of patients' medical debt. But for others, cost and lack of transparency lead to financial crisis. Learn more in this Fresh Perspectives blog post.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180821fp-carecost.html
Rural Locums Provide Balance for Urban Doc
Mixing rural locum tenens shifts with her urban direct primary care practice keeps Allison Edwards, M.D., balanced and allows her to work at the full breadth of her training.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180806fp-locums.html
Opportunities, Not Incentives, Drive PCPs to Do Better
In his final Fresh Perspectives blog post, Ryan Neuhofel, D.O., M.P.H., writes that policymakers should abandon the carrot-and-stick approach to payment schemes and give physicians time to provide better care.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180720fp-opportunity.html
Managing the Vacuum of Freedom After Residency
After being told what their next steps should be for years, graduating residents now get to choose their own path. Allison Edwards, M.D., writes in this Fresh Perspectives blog post that they shouldn't panic.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180626fp-endtraining.html
AAFP Survey Reveals DPC Trends
As we prepare for the annual Direct Primary Care Summit, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin shares the results of the AAFP's recent survey related to DPC.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180619ITT_DPC.html
Medicare looks to contract directly with physicians and suppliers -- FPM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is investigating a new payment model that would directly contract with Medicare providers and suppliers.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_looks_to_contract_directly_with_physicians.html
Compensation is up for family physicians -- FPM
Family physicians saw their annual compensation increase an average of 5 percent over last year, reflecting an industrywide rise in physician pay.
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Compensation_is_up_for_family_physicians.html
Congress Needs to Hear From FPs -- Here's Your Chance
AAFP President-elect John Cullen, M.D., reports from Capitol Hill, where the Academy's Board of Directors recently had dozens of meetings with legislators and congressional staff.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/20180302lv-hillvisits.html
Part I: Sharing Our Legislative, Regulatory Priorities for 2018
AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines the AAFP's priorities for 2018 regarding payment reform and practice transformation.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180206ITT_Priorities.html
Childhood Bullying: Implications for Physicians - American Family Physician
Feb 1, 2018 - Childhood bullying is common and can lead to serious adverse physical and mental health effects for both the victim and the bully. In teenagers, risk factors for becoming a victim of bullying include being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender; having a disability or medical condition ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0201/p187.html
Your Family Medicine Practice Is Whatever You Make It
A new physician survey prompted our bloggers to reflect on their scope of practice and how they've tailored their work to fit the needs of their patients and their own interests.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180116fp-scope.html
AAFP Payment Model Wins Committee's Support
In this In the Trenches blog post, AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines an AAFP payment model that recently won the support of an HHS committee, and he reviews the health care challenges awaiting Congress.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/20180109ITT_PTAC.html
New Year, Same Issues. Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?
We asked our new physician bloggers what issues concern them for their practices and patients in 2018. The cost of care to patients tops the list.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20180102fp-newyear.html
Technology Tools and Trends for Better Patient Care: Beyond the EHR -- FPM
Oct 1, 2017 - From remote monitoring of chronic diseases to virtual assistants in the exam room, technology will improve practice.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2017/0900/p28.html
Health Care Debates Don't Have to Be Heated
Politicians discussing health care policy could take a lesson from a couple of family physicians who recently debated the merits of the direct primary care model without resorting to insults.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/20170829fp-debate.html
Putting Patients at the Center of My 'Clinic of the Future'
Ryan Neuhofel, D.O., M.P.H., wanted more than just a bigger space for his new clinic. He wanted it to help patients feel more comfortable and more engaged.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/putting_patients_at_the_center.html
It's Complicated: What We Wish Legislators Knew About Health Care
Health care truly is complicated. We asked our new physician bloggers what policymakers need to understand if they're going to help create a better system.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/it_s_complicated_what_we.html
AAFP News - May 15, 2017 - American Family Physician
May 15, 2017 - Selected policy and health issues news briefs from AAFP News.
American Family Physician : AAFP News: AFP Edition
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0515/p614.html
Go Ahead, I'm Listening
From your comments on AAFP News stories and blog posts to responses to annual surveys, the Academy is listening. Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin outlines how to make your voice heard.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/go_ahead_i_m_listening.html
AHCA Won't Help Patients Who Need It Most
We asked our new physician bloggers how the American Health Care Act would affect their patients. Most said the legislation would hurt the poor, the elderly and the disabled.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/ahca_won_t_help_patients.html
End-of-Life Care: Managing Common Symptoms - American Family Physician
Mar 15, 2017 - Physicians should be proficient at managing symptoms as patients progress through the dying process. When possible, proactive regimens that prevent symptoms should be used, because it is generally easier to prevent than to treat an acute symptom. As swallowing function diminishes, ...
American Family Physician : Article
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0315/p356.html
I'm Standing Up for Direct Primary Care
Ryan Neuhofel, D.O., M.P.H., knows legislators won't significantly improve our health care system on their own. Success requires persistent grassroots advocacy, and family physicians need to be a part of that.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/i_m_standing_up_for.html
The State of Family Medicine: 2017 -- FPM
Feb 1, 2017 - With tremendous change taking place in health care, the mood among family physicians is anxious, but there are reasons to be hopeful.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2017/0100/p26.html
No, I'm Not 'Settling' for Family Medicine
Lauren Abdul-Majeed writes that misconceptions about family medicine are toxic for medical students and negatively affect an already inadequate primary care workforce.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/no_i_m_not_settling.html
Direct Primary Care Is a Sensible Workforce Solution
John Bender, M.D., M.B.A., writes that contrary to misconceptions, the direct primary care model is an ideal strategy to ensure our nation has a robust family medicine physician workforce in the long run.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/direct_primary_care_is_a.html
Screen for Alcohol Abuse During Holiday Season
The holidays aren't happy for many Americans. Lynne Lillie, M.D., writes that now is an excellent time to screen for alcohol abuse.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/screen_for_alcohol_abuse_during.html
Old Issues, New Year: A Look Back (and Ahead)
AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin reflects on some key health care issues from 2016 and looks ahead to the new year.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/old_issues_new_year_a.html
FPs Can Shape Social Determinants of Health Outside Clinic
Social factors can influence health more than medical advances. Stewart Decker, M.D., writes that family physicians have the perspective and influence needed to address social determinants of health beyond the exam room.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/fps_can_shape_social_determinants.html
In Defense of Direct Primary Care -- FPM
Oct 1, 2016 - Direct primary care will continue to grow because it empowers price transparency, quality, and patient satisfaction.
Family Practice Management : Opinion
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2016/0900/p12.html
Is Direct Primary Care the Solution to Our Health Care Crisis? -- FPM
Oct 1, 2016 - While attempting to solve one problem, DPC may be exacerbating other serious problems in our health care system.
Family Practice Management : Opinion
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2016/0900/p10.html
Beating the Prior Authorization Blues -- FPM
Oct 1, 2016 - Getting insurer approval for treatment can take hours out of your week. Here are some ways to reduce the pain.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2016/0900/p15.html
The Unexpected Challenge of Motivational Interviewing -- FPM
Oct 1, 2016 - Successful use requires us to change our thinking about ourselves.
Family Practice Management : From the Editor
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2016/0900/p9.html
2016 Family Medicine Experience
Talk a walk through the 2016 Family Medicine Experience (FMX) with videos produced in advance and on site.
Events : Family Medicine Experience (FMX) Virtual
https://www.aafp.org/events/fmx/about/past-future/2016fmx.html
Physicians Making Eye Contact with Patients Is Important - Letters to the Editor - ...
Sep 15, 2016 - ...doctors, all of whom talk to me over their shoulders while tapping computer keys or stand behind the protection of a scribe. Only my direct primary care physician sits and looks me in the eye when we are talking. ROBERT B. TAYLOR, MD, FAAFP Portland, Ore. E-mail: taylorr@ohsu.edu...
American Family Physician : Letter
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0915/p418a.html
Our Country Is Hungry for the Message of Family Medicine
After more than 200 days on the road, AAFP President Wanda Filer, M.D., M.B.A., reflects on a whirlwind of meetings with legislators, policymakers, payers, media and medical students.
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/our_country_is_hungry_for.html
Employment Contracts for Family Physicians in an Evolving Market -- FPM
Aug 1, 2016 - A review of the broad market trends can help you evaluate the specifics of your contract.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2016/0700/p28.html
Prior Authorization Call Shows Inefficiency, Absurdity of Process
Family physicians waste hours each and every week on prior authorizations. Ryan Neuhofel, D.O., M.P.H., recorded one such call to illustrate the inefficiency of the process.
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/prior_authorization_call_shows_inefficiency.html
AAFP Showing Strong Support for DPC
The direct primary care model (DPC) is a patient-centered model that eliminates much of the administrative burden associated with modern primary care practice. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin highlights how the Academy is supporting ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/aafp_showing_strong_support_for.html
Rural Recruiting, Retention Proves Daunting
Rural Recruiting, Retention Proves Daunting
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/rural_recruiting_retention_proves_daunting.html
Compensation for family physicians rises in new survey -- FPM
Compensation for family physicians rises in new survey
Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home
https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/compensation_for_family_physicians_rises.html
FMX On Demand
Maximize your time at the 2018 AAFP Family Medicine Experience (FMX). FMX On Demand is your online library of the 25 most popular FMX sessions. Earn a year's worth of credit!
Events : Family Medicine Experience (FMX) Virtual
https://www.aafp.org/events/fmx/cme/opportunities/on-demand.html
Report: PCMH Improves Quality, Reduces Cost
A recently published report found that advanced primary care practices built on the principles of the patient-centered medical home improve quality and reduce the cost of health care. AAFP Senior Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin has the details.
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/report_pcmh_improves_quality_reduces.html
Should We Reject Unvaccinated Patients?
Should We Reject Unvaccinated Patients?
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/should_we_reject_unvaccinated_patients.html
Telehealth Is Family Medicine’s Next Big Opportunity
Telehealth Is Family Medicine’s Next Big Opportunity
AAFP News : AAFP Leader Voices | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/leadervoices/entry/telehealth_is_family_medicine_s.html
Cloudy With a Chance of Misdiagnosis
Cloudy With a Chance of Misdiagnosis
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/cloudy_with_a_chance_of.html
Physician Burnout: Its Origin, Symptoms, and Five Main Causes -- FPM
Oct 1, 2015 - Burnout is everywhere, buy you can't fight an enemy unless you recognize it.
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2015/0900/p42.html
Questions About DPC? FMX Sessions Offer Answers
Questions About DPC? FMX Sessions Offer Answers
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/questions_about_dpc_fmx_sessions.html
Eye on the Ball: Overreliance on EHRs Can Bring Disaster
Eye on the Ball: Overreliance on EHRs Can Bring Disaster
AAFP News : Fresh Perspectives: New Docs in Practice | AAFP News Blog : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/freshperspectives/entry/eye_on_the_ball_overreliance.html
AAFP's Annual Meeting Offers Plenty to 'Experience' in Denver
Thousands of family physicians will gather two weeks from today in Denver for an opportunity to learn, network, and have fun at the AAFP's Family Medicine Experience (FMX). AAFP Vice President for Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy Shawn Martin highlights some of what is to come ...
AAFP News : In the Trenches : Blogs
https://www.aafp.org/news/blogs/inthetrenches/entry/aafp_s_annual_meeting_offers.html
The Physician Employment Trend: What You Need to Know -- FPM
Aug 1, 2015 - How will the emerging trend take shape? Is it good for medicine - for doctors? And will there still be a place for independent physicians?
Family Practice Management : Articles
https://www.aafp.org/fpm/2015/0700/p11.html