What's New
Legislative Events Registration Form
Download PDF HereMedia Project
As health care continues to be a hot topic on the mind of Georgia physicians and patients in 2010, your Academy seeks to establish you - family physicians – as the leading resource for local media outlets. Each month in 2010, GAFP will create and distribute a health care topic of the month press release to media sources in one GAFP member district. January’s release was on obesity and had success in District 7, Northwest Georgia where it was published in the Calhoun Times with another interview pending.
If you are interested in serving as a media resource (available for interviews and comments with GAFP staff support) please contact Khristina Newman, Director of Communications and Marketing at knewman@gafp.org.
Guide for Addressing Senior Drivers Now Available
The Georgia Older Drivers Task Force (ODTF) is offering the “Physicians’ Guide for Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers’” CD, which includes a practical and easily administered plan for assessing older drivers as well as the legal and ethical responsibilities of Georgia physicians with regard to the safety of older drivers.
The resource was designed for primary care physicians by a task force that was established as part of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan to educate older drivers and physicians. The CD PowerPoint Presentation can be obtained by contacting Herb Karp, MD, at (678) 527-3428 or hkarp@gaqio.sdps.org.
2010 Annual Scientific Assembly --- Call for Presentations
Want to show off your hard work and impress colleagues with your latest research or educational discovery?
GAFP invites you to submit a research/education presentation for the 2010 Annual Scientific Assembly set for November 11-13, 2010, at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. The symposium is an interactive forum to share best practices in education, hear presentations on original research, and to network with others interested in family medicine.
Download the guidelines and presentation application from the GAFP website at www.gafp.org. Please feel free to duplicate the application for any faculty, resident, or student whom you think would be interested in participating. To be considered, all completed abstracts must be received by Friday, April 2, 2010.
Please note: Submission of a presentation for review does NOT guarantee acceptance as a speaker at the GAFP Annual Assembly.
For additional information, contact Director of Education and Corporate Relations, Angela Flanigan at aflanigan@gafp.org or (800) 392-3841.
Save the Date – CME and Family Time Combined
Enjoy discounted hotel rates during the busy Memorial Day Weekend at this year’s Summer Family Medicine Weekend at the Bay Point Marriott Golf Resort and Spa, outside of Panama City Beach, FL, May 29 – 31.
The GAFP Education Committee has chosen topics that are of concern to family physicians in Georgia. Lecture topics include “All that Wheezes is not Asthma - A look at Heart Failure and COPD”, “Acute Chest Syndrome”, and “Hepatitis C”. Workshop topics include “Diabetes”, “EHR Stimulus Funding”, “Musculoskeletal Exam”, and “EKG Interpretation”.
GAFP will offer two Self Assessment Module tests on Pain Management and Childhood Illness. SAM’s tests are required once a year for a family physician to remain Board certified.
Along with the educational sessions offered at this meeting, GAFP also offers many social activities that allow you, your family, and your peers to enjoy a relaxing, fun-filled weekend. This year, GAFP will be hosting a welcome reception on May 29 and a family friendly social on May 30.
How can you pass up this tantalizing combination of CME and family fun? Make your hotel reservations now! Call Bay Point Marriott at (800) 644-2650 and ask for the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians’ room block. Single room rates range from $209 - $229. Discounted rates available for multi-rooms.
Fraud Alert Message from the Georgia Composite Medical Board
If you receive a call from someone who represents themselves as an employee of the Medical Board and requesting your credit card number, social security number, or demanding payment for any purpose please be advised this is not the practice of the Georgia Medical Board and may be an attempt by others to obtain this information for illegal purposes.
The Georgia Composite Medical Board can be reached at (404) 656-3913.
If you are a victim of fraud, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
AAFP Live! Offers 18.25 EB CME credits during GAFP Winter Committee Conclave
GAFP has teamed with AAFP to offer 18.25 CME credits during the Winter Committee Conclave at the JW Marriott Buckhead in Atlanta on Saturday, March 13. AAFP Live! morning lecture series will focus on Pain Management followed by lunch and an afternoon lecture series on Sleep Disorders. While both lectures are complimentary, you must register. This is great opportunity to attend GAFP committee meetings and earn free CME.
To learn more about AAFP Live! and registration, click here.
The Congress of Delegates approved the following resolutions:
The Foundation of the GAFP Legacy Club (The Congress approved this substitute resolution)
The Foundation asked the Congress of Delegates to request that each active member and life member of the GAFP
become a member of the Foundation’s Legacy Club.
These monies would fund an endowment that would then allow family medicine to be raised to its greatest height in Georgia. The Foundation’s endowment would be working toward increasing the number of family physicians, supporting family medicine research, and improving the health of the citizens of Georgia.
The Task Force on Health Policy (The Congress approved this resolution)
The Task Force recommends that the Congress approve the updated policy manual as its current working document
to be reviewed on a rotating basis but no later than every three years.
Each year the Speaker, Vice Speaker, and the Board Chair (or the Board Chair’s designee from the Executive Committee) will meet no later than June to review one-third of the active GAFP Policies as compiled in the GAFP Policy Manual. The Policy Manual is a compilation of Congress of Delegates and Board of Directors' approved policies.
The group will make recommendations for each policy to be either:
1. Archived (no longer enforced)
2. Re-adopted (as written)
3. Re-adopted (as edited)
There were also several Bylaws changes, previously posted in the June newsletter, approved by the Congress. To view the complete updated Bylaws go to www.gafp.org and click on the “About GAFP” tab on the drop down menu.
The Congress voted to refer this resolution to the Practice Management Committee for further review:
Prescription Medicines Written by Resident Physicians
The GAFP supports legislation and insurance company practices that do not require attending physicians to cosign prescription medicines written by resident physicians with the appropriate Georgia permits and NPI numbers.
The Congress voted to Re-affirm the following resolutions as current policy:
Enhance Georgia Medical Education (GME) funding for Family Medicine Training in Georgia
The GAFP will continue through lobbying efforts within the state to advocate for legislative measures that enhance GME funding for Family Medicine training in Georgia.Lobbying and Advocacy Efforts
The GAFP will continue its lobbying and advocacy efforts, where appropriate, in the state of Georgia and in collaboration with the AAFP nationally for payment system reform for Family Medicine specialists.Continued Member Education of the Patient Centered Medical Home
The GAFP will continue to engage in efforts to educate its members about the PCMH and engage in efforts to facilitate practice transformation through its educational activities, legislative advocacy, and collaboration with suitable business and industry partners that will enhance the transformation of health care delivery for the members of the GAFP.Political Action Committee - Aggressive Support
The PAC continues its aggressive support of legislators at the state level that support the ideals of family medicine.Political Action Committee GAFP - Membership Support
The GAFP membership supports their PAC through generous and consistent giving to insure protection for family medicine and our patients.Support Research Poster
This resolution allows residencies to continue displaying poster presentations at the GAFP annual meetings.
The Speaker, Dr. Beulette Hooks and Vice Speaker Dr. Thad Riley, extend a special thank you to GAFP members who served in a leadership position for the 2009 Congress of Delegates
Parliamentarian - Christopher Wizner, MD
Credentials Committee:
Chairperson - Greg Asbury, MD
Riba Kelsey-Harris, MD
Tellers Committee:
Chairperson - Mitch Cook, DO
Jacob Varghese, MD
Reference Committee:
Chairperson - Christine McFarlin, MD
Donald Fordham, MD
Marti Gibbs, MD
James Gleason, MD
Nicholas Kilmer, MD
Jeffrey Davenport, MD – Resident Observer
Bie Etinge – Student Observer
Website for Providers Who Work with Pediatric Cancer Survivors seeks Volunteers
Dr. Lillian R. Meacham recently spoke at the GAFP Annual Scientific Assembly and discussed plans for the creation of SurvivorLink, a website resource for physicians that work with pediatric cancer survivors.
The provider portal of the site will host educational material to assist clinicians in caring for this at risk population. The patient portal will house a form for EMR which will be the survivor healthcare plan (SHP) that a patient can grant a clinician access to see and use. The SHP is essential to direct follow up care.
Dr. Meacham is developing an advisory board for SurvivorLink composed of a design team (engineers, clinicians, and epidemiologists), survivor clinic representatives from throughout Georgia, and practicing health care professionals. She is currently seeking volunteers for this board. A leadership role would involve 3 or 4 conference calls a year and 1 in person meeting. The volunteer does not have to live in the Atlanta area. To learn more about the website visit www.cancersurvivorlink.org.
To volunteer, contact Dr. Lillian Meacham at Lillian.Meacham@oz.ped.emory.edu.
Health Care Resolution for the Medical Association of Georgia's House of Delegates
In August, the Board of Directors asked the Executive Committee to submit a resolution in support of several vital tenets of health care reform to the Medical Association of Georgia's House of Delegates. The resolution below is an effort to bring all physicians together in support of health care reform at the state and federal level. The MAG House of Delegates will meet in Savannah, October 16-17 and Drs. Donald Fordham and Cathleen Quillian will be the GAFP voting delegates.
WHEREAS, One third of Georgians are insured or underinsured, and
WHEREAS, we believe healthcare is a human right and not a commodity, and
WHEREAS, the health care system has failed to provide health care security for our patients due to de-emphasizing preventive and primary care, and
WHEREAS, access to medical care is increasingly threatened by the fact that millions of people are uninsured, and still millions more were without insurance at some point in the year, and a growing number of employers are either dropping or reducing coverage; and
WHEREAS, a fundamental component of a successful health care system is active patient involvement in maintaining healthy lifestyles, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) promote, through its lobbyists and through member contact with national legislators, health care reform that will include revitalization of primary care, patient centeredness, and providing more choices for our patients.
Diagnosing and Treating Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains a real threat in Georgia today. In 2008, Georgia reported 478 cases of TB; this is nearly the exact number as in 2007 (474) when Georgia had the sixth highest number of reported cases in the US. The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians' Public Health Committee realizes the importance of family physicians possessing knowledge and resources for diagnosing and treating TB. The GAFP website now hosts a PowerPoint presentation, Diagnosing and Treating Tuberculosis in the Primary Care Setting created by Dr. Michael K. Leonard, the Medical Director of the Georgia TB Program. To view, visit: http://www.gafp.org/notifiable_disease_emergency.asp.
This presentation includes valuable information on TB diagnosis and treatment. The Georgia Division of Public Health also provides resources for physicians at http://health.state.ga.us/ which includes the Georgia TB Reference Guide at http://health.state.ga.us/pdfs/epi/tb/tbguide.05.pdf.
For additional information, contact Cathi Durham at cdurham@gafp.org or 800-392-3841.
Pharmacies are Negatively Impacted by “As Directed” Prescriptions
Amanda Gaddy, R.Ph.
Georgia Pharmacy Association Audit Staff
In the last few years, the number of pharmacy audits performed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) has increased tremendously. While the core goal professed by PBMs is to reduce fraud and waste, the pharmacies have often been hit financially by accepting certain prescriptions that prescribers may not know are unacceptable by the PBM.
For instance, most PBMs do not allow as directed (UD) prescriptions because it is impossible to determine the correct days supply. Pharmacies must submit the claim with an accurate days supply based on prescriber’s directions and the quantity dispensed. If the prescription just states “as directed” there is no way to calculate the days supply unless the pharmacy contacts the prescriber’s office for clarification. The pharmacy may be paid initially but if the PBM audits the prescription and there isn’t documentation where the pharmacy clarified the directions or the maximum dosage per day, then the pharmacy will have to pay the entire amount back to the PBM, which can often be thousands of dollars. Another instance is just writing “sliding scale” for insulin. Using this language will result in the pharmacy having to return payment to the PBM if they haven’t documented on the prescription the maximum amount used per day.
Including the specific directions on the prescription is beneficial for prescriber, patient and pharmacist. The pharmacist will not have to make any unnecessary calls to the prescriber while the patient waits. Also, the pharmacist can reinforce and instruct the patient on the proper use of the medication during the counseling session. And finally, the pharmacy will not be penalized financially for accepting an ‘as directed’ prescription.
Latest on H1N1 - GAFP Member Benefit Highlight: Keeping you Informed GAFP Member Benefit Highlight: Keeping you Informed
As a Georgia Academy of Family Physicians member you have a multitude of resource materials available to you. Public Health hot topics such as H1N1 and Pandemic Preparedness are updated on a regular basis to keep you informed. Take a moment and search the GAFP www.gafp.org website to see what’s available.
Of current interest on the GAFP web site at http://www.gafp.org/pandemic_influenza.asp:
H1N1 Links
- H1N1 Public Health District Contacts
- H1N1 Provider Registration Form
- H1N1 AAFP Resources
GA Pandemic Influenza
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Standard Operating Plan
- Avian Influenza Frequently Asked Questions
- CDC Health Advisory, Recommendations for Influenza-Like Illness
We are here to serve you! Is there a specific benefit you would like us to research that we are not currently providing? Please contact Jacquelyn Taylor at jtaylor@gafp.org or by phone 1-800-392-3841.
Board Challenges GAFP Membership
On Sunday, August 16th, the GAFP Board of Directors met in Young Harris to discuss the business of your Academy. They discussed the need for meaningful health care reform, both at the state and federal level, and the importance of family physicians to be at the table for any discussion about change. They committed as a collective to make a statement for change and immediately opened up their wallets and donated over $7,000 for the GAFP State PAC. These much needed funds will go to support state officers and Georgia legislators who support the interest of our patients and family medicine.
We challenge you to do the same. Please take less than five minutes and open up your wallet to donate to the GAFP State PAC. You can contribute online securely here: http://www.gafp.org/pac.asp
Below is the list of PAC donors as of August 31, 2009:
Bie Etinge – Medical Student – Board Member
Amanda Fischer – Medical Student – Board Member
Elizabeth Wiles – Medical Student – Board Observer
Michelle Strickland, MD – Resident Board Observer
Gary Swartzentruber, MD – Resident Board Member
Catherine Andrews, MD – Marietta – Two Donations
Greg Asbury, MD – Rome
William Boyett, MD - Dalton
Susan Boyle, MD - Duluth
Fay Brown, MHS - Atlanta
Michael Busman, MD – Americus – Two Donations
Saria Carter Saccocio, MD - Rome
Samuel L. Church, MD - Hiawassee
Mitch Cook, DO – Athens – Two Donations
Thomas Fausett, MD – Adel
Ed Flournoy, MD - Albany
Donald Fordham, MD - Demorest
R. Clark Gillett, Jr., MD - Columbus
James Hagler, MD – Beuna Vista
Beulette Hooks, MD – Midland – Two Donations
Wayne Hoffman, MD – Atlanta – Two Donations
Alice House, MD – Warner Robins
Steven House, MD – Warner Robins
Eugene Jackson, MD - Hawkinsville
John Kludt, MD – Johns Creek
Bruce LeClair, MD – Evans – Two Donations
Jack Liao, MD – Peachtree City
Carl McCurdy, MD – Jasper
Christine McFarlin, MD - Sylvania
Howard McMahan, MD – Ocilla – Two Donations
Adrienne Mims, MD – Atlanta – Two Donations
Brian Nadolne, MD – Roswell – Two Donations
Hogai Nassery, MD – Decatur – Two Donations
Cathleen Quillian, DO - Athens
Leonard Reeves, MD – Rome
Eddie Richardson, MD – Oconee
Thad Riley, MD - Statesboro
Mitzi Rubin, MD – Kennesaw – Two Donations
George Shannon, MD – Columbus
Harry Strothers, MD – Roswell – Two Donations
Roslyn Taylor, MD – Savannah
Michael Walsh, MD - Columbus
David Westfall, MD – Gainesville
Rick Wherry, MD – Dahlonega – Two Donations
Has Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Contacted You?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have contracted with Connolly Healthcare as the permanent Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) for Georgia. The start date for Georgia RAC was August 1, 2009, as directed by the Tax Relief and Healthcare Act of 2006.
RAC will review fee-for-service claims on a post-payment basis, from October 1, 2007 to present. The two types of reviews include the Automated Review which does not include medical records review and the Complex Review which does require medical records review.
If an improper payment is found, collection notices will be marked with code “N432” which signifies “Adjustment Based on Recovery Audit.” At that time, RAC will offer an opportunity for the provider to discuss the improper payment via the “Discussion Process.” The provider has 40 days to respond to RAC after receiving the N432 notification. If it becomes necessary, an appeal may be filed within 120 days.
The Connolly Healthcare representative, Christine Castelli, christine.castelli@connollyhealthcare.com, Principal of Client Relations and Quality Assurance, recommends that all providers submit a “Contact Information” form. By providing this information, Connolly Healthcare is hoping to avoid miscommunications, as well as delays.
The form is available on the Connolly website at: www.connollyhealthcare.com For General Information visit: www.cms.hhs.gov/rac or www.connollyhealthcare.com/RAC/pages/cms_RAC_Program.aspx
Last Call for Resolutions
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians is seeking resolutions for the 2009 Congress of Delegates. Last year, the COD tracked issues regarding our bylaws, state supported food programs, the Political Action Committee, district changes, and the patient centered medical home and others that affect you as a member of the GAFP.
We are soliciting your ideas and leadership in proposing resolutions for this year's Congress of Delegates that meets November 14th - 15th in conjunction with the annual meeting held in Atlanta.
Do you need help writing your resolution? GAFP staff is available to assist you. Contact Jacquelyn Taylor at jtaylor@gafp.org, phone 800-392-3841 or fax to 404-321-7450.
Family Physicians Caring for Overweight Children
Thank you to all the GAFP members who recently completed a survey on BMI and childhood obesity. The survey had a stellar representation from urban and rural areas of Georgia and provided a great deal of valuable information.
The Georgia family physicians’ surveyed estimated that 26-50 percent of the children they examine are overweight. In addition, up to 25 percent of children seen are obese.
Once a child was identified as obsese, 86 percent of the physicians surveyed typically followed up by monitoring the child’s weight more frequently, and providing counseling to the child and their family on exercise, diet and nutrition.
Interestingly, this falls in line with a July 1, 2009 report released from the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, titled F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009. According to this report, the percentage of obese or overweight children in 30 states is greater than 30 percent. Specifically in Georgia, the rate is 37 percent. Further, 8 of the 10 states with the highest rates of obese and overweight children are in the South.
For more information from this report, visit http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2009/release.php?stateid=GA
The GAFP and Georgia Division of Public Health Collaboration
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians is happy to announce our continued partnership with Georgia’s Department of Community Health, Division of Public Health. Our focus this year will include childhood and adult obesity, maternal-child health including WIC-Women, Infants and Children, Children 1st, Babies Can’t Wait, and Newborn Screening. We are excited about this opportunity to work alongside Georgia’s Public Health staff in making a difference.
For further information, contact Cathi Durham, Director of Outreach at 800-392-3841 or by email at cdurham@gafp.org.
Economy Friendly Pricing, 2 for 1 Credits Every Hour, and the Latest in Board of Certification- During the GAFP Annual Scientific Assembly
Join the GAFP at the Annual Scientific Assembly to be held November 12-14 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. A new, leaner, meaner schedule starting midday on Thursday, November 12th allows you to spend more time in your office prior to attending the meeting. Two for one credit, Evidence Based CME, will be offered throughout the meeting guaranteeing that you still have access to an abundance of credit in just three days.
As the maintenance of certification continues to evolve, the GAFP offers expert assistance during our live events to familiarize family physicians with the most up-to-date recertification processes. This meeting will offer four Self Assessment Modules (SAMs) including Depression, Heart Failure, Care of the Vulnerable Elderly, and Pain Management. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) METRIC team will be present to register you for the METRIC modules which, once completed, fulfills Part IV requirement for board certification.
In addition to offering more than 18 credits over three days, GAFP will host two receptions to allow for plenty of opportunity to meet and mingle with family physician peers from throughout the state.
Georgia Receives Substantial Grant for GO! Diabetes Project
In late May, the Georgia and Oklahoma Chapters of the AAFP were notified by sanofi-aventis that they approved funding for expanding the GO! Diabetes pilot project to 14 additional states. In 2008, the pilot launched with a unique collaborative effort to educate residents in their family medicine programs on new approaches to educating diabetic patients on appropriate insulin therapy and medical interventions and different tools to promote behavioral health change of the diabetic patient. Residents then participated in a self assessment of treating diabetic patients using METRIC (AAFP online tool) and made practice changes related to improving diabetic care.
In 2009, this initiative has been expanded to 16 mid South and southeastern states, (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia). The project will start with a Diabetes Change Agent training session which will be attended by a resident and faculty member of each participating residency program (75 potential programs) and then each Change Agent will do an educational session at their residency. Residents and faculty will be encouraged to submit research posters, abstracts and articles to various scientific meetings and publications to describe their experiences and lessons learned. Two GAFP members are part of the lead faculty on this program: Alice House, MD and Saria Carter Saccocio, MD. This project is being managed under the guidance of the GAFP Education Committee and the Oklahoma Academy’s Educational Leadership.
New Online CME Educational Activities are Live!
GAFP continues to strive to present our members with quality CME opportunities. We have several new online educational activities available, including
- “Every Little Breath I Take” – An Update on the New Asthma Guidelines
- CMS Electronic Health Records
- The Clinical Content of Preconception Care: Evidence-Based Recommendations
With these recent additions, GAFP now offers six online CME lectures, with a total of 8.75 prescribed credits, some with EB CME credit, as assigned by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
To view these presentations, visit http://www.gafp.org/online_cme.asp
Be sure and check in often, as there are more topics in production.
Attend the Annual Scientific Assembly and Exhibition
Join the GAFP at the Annual Scientific Assembly to be hosted November 12-14 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta. A new, leaner, meaner schedule starting at noon on November 12th allows you to spend more time in your office prior to attending the meeting. Two for one credit, Evidence Based CME, will be offered throughout the meeting guaranteeing that you still have access to an abundance of credit in just three days.
As Self Assessment Modules (SAMs) become more prevalent in the recertification process, GAFP plans to continue offering opportunities to take the test during the meeting. We will be offering four SAMs options this year including Depression, Heart Failure, Care of the Vulnerable Elderly, and Pain Management. This fall, clinical lecture topics will include, Breast Cancer Risk, Nursing Home Care, Pandemic Preparedness, Update on ADA Guidelines, and much more.
Registration for the Annual Meeting will be open to all members in early August. Visit www.gafp.org to learn more about the meeting
Voice Your Private Payer Issues on the Health Plan Grievance Registry
The GAFP Practice Management Committee recognizes member’s frustration with private payer issues. The AAFP offers a webpage to address these issues. Three sections: Spotlight, Here’s What We’re Working On, and Make Your Voice Heard are updated often, depending on the impact for AAFP members, the cycle of healthcare industry and AAFP private sector advocacy activities. Also available is a members-only health plan grievance registry, in which members can submit, as well as view others’ comments, regarding health plans issues. Be sure and check out this valuable resource! http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/policy/privatesector.html
Change Happens When You
Do Something to Cause It!
“We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
We are the change that we seek.”
~President Barack Obama
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians is seeking resolutions for the 2009 Congress of Delegates. Last year, the COD tracked issues regarding bylaw changes, state supported food programs, the Political Action Committee, district changes, the patient centered medical home and others that affect you as a member of the GAFP. We are soliciting your ideas and leadership in proposing resolutions for this year’s Congress of Delegates that meets November 14th - 15th in conjunction with the annual meeting held in Atlanta.
Wait! Do you need help writing your resolution? Staff is available to assist you, contact Jacquelyn Taylor at jtaylor@gafp.org, fax 404-321-7450 or mail to the GAFP, 3760 LaVista Rd, Ste. 100, Tucker, GA 30084.
(The deadline to submit resolutions is September 7, 2009.)
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update
On April 29, the GAFP disseminated information to you regarding the Swine Flu, now known as the H1N1 Flu. According to the CDC, there have been confirmed cases here in Georgia. As of May 7, testing criteria for H1N1 influenza has changed. Now in Georgia, only hospitalized patients are to be tested. The GAFP strives to provide you with the most current information. As this pandemic is continually evolving, please frequently check our website www.gafp.org, or visit the CDC website dedicated to the H1N1 Flu at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Vaccine Purchasing Programs
Are you a member of a vaccine purchasing program? Below are details about two available programs. We recommend that you research all programs available to determine which is best for your practice.
Atlantic Health Partners
Atlantic Health Partners (AHP) offers favorable pricing, payment terms, and delivery of online and phone orders submitted directly to vaccine manufacturers. There are no minimum quantity requirements, and physicians have access to a full spectrum of pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. In addition, the program offers local customer service support backed by AHP.
- Voluntary enrollment with no cost to join
- GAFP will provide members with information about the Atlantic vaccine purchasing program; Atlantic will contribute $1,000 to support ongoing communications
- Atlantic will direct to GAFP 10 percent of all revenues earned by Atlantic for GAFP members
- In addition, Atlantic will compensate annually GAFP $1,000 for every 120 enrolled physicians
An AHP representative stated that the average savings is 10 percent for the purchase of vaccines and overall savings ranges from 2 percent to 30 percent. AHP offers two drug vendors, Sanofi Pasteur and Merck. This program does not share actual costs for vaccines.
For more information, contact: Jeff Winkour at jwinokur@atlantichealthpartners.com or 860-674-9785
Physicians' Alliance, Inc.
Physician’s Alliance (PA) is a non-profit group purchasing organization founded in 1992 by physicians for physicians. Thousands of member physicians collectively save millions of dollars every year thanks to their PA membership.
Savings range from 5 percent to 65 percent. The more programs accessed the more savings. In addition to regular savings, a number of vendor partners offer special deals throughout the year. There is no cost to become a member. Costs are covered by vendor support. These fees do not affect the prices members pay.
A PA representative disclosed that costs are only discussed with members. PA has several drug vendors serving their members, including an exclusive agreement with GlaxoSmithKline.
For more information, contact: Bob Chalmers at bchalmers@physall.com or 770-446-9808
GAFP staff cannot discern the best pricing, and encourages each family physician to compare the pricing that best fits their practice.
May 20, 2009
NEW Free Online Educational Activities on GAFP Website
The GAFP continues to expand and offer diverse CME offerings to our membership including additional online CME activities. All lectures were recorded live at a GAFP event and boast up to 1.5 CME credits by both the AAFP and the American Academy of Nurse Practioners (AANP.) Each lecture includes a pre-test that must be completed before beginning the lecture. Upon completion of a lecture, a post test and an evaluation will appear. After completing the pre-test, lecture, post-test and evaluation GAFP will report your credits to the AAFP.
The lecture, “The Clinical Content of Preconception Care: Evidence-Based Recommendations,” was developed to educate family physicians on ways to offer preconception care from the birth of one child through a subsequent pregnancy and ways to address specific risk factors that may have contributed to a previous poor pregnancy outcome.
The lecture, “’Every Little Breathe I Take’--- An Update on the new Asthma Guidelines,” educates family physicians on the disproportionate number of Georgians who suffer from asthma and asthma-related illnesses. In addition, the new asthma guidelines are explored during the activity.
The lecture, “CMS Electronic Health Records Demo Project,” was developed to educate family physicians on the benefits and challenges of implementing an electronic health records system in their office. Also, the activity explains the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) EHR Demonstration Project, which is a five-year, Medicare project that will provide incentive to Georgia physicians for using certified electronic health records to improve the quality of patient care.
To view these presentations, visit http://www.gafp.org/online_cme.asp.
Thank you for your continued support of GAFP educational initiatives!
May 20, 2009
New AAFP LearningLink Activity
Practical Aspects of Chronic Pain Management: A Case-based Approach, the fifth activity in the
AAFPlearninglink.org Chronic Pain series includes 3 case vignettes that are used to demonstrate and reinforce
issues and challenges family physicians often encounter when treating patients with chronic pain: 1) managing a
new patient requesting a refill of pain medication, 2) negotiating treatment goals and managing residual pain,
and 3) caring for elderly patients with chronic pain.
Approved for 1 Prescribed Credit. AAFP LearningLink activities are free. Register now. (For hard-copy communications: the URL is www.aafplearninglink.org).
April 28, 2009
GAFP Board of Directors – Call for Nominations
The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians’ Nominating Committee is seeking members who are interested in becoming more active in the Academy by serving your colleagues on the Board of Directors. The Committee proposes a list of nominees to the Congress of Delegates who vote in the early fall. Terms for Board members, treasurer, and secretary are three years and two years for AAFP Delegate and Alternate Delegate and one year for officers. (Both Resident and Student officer selections occur in the fall.)
As a small token of appreciation, members of the Board of Directors receive free registration to both the Summer and Annual Meeting as long as they register prior to the early bird deadline. The Board of Directors typically meets four times a year and is asked to respond to several e-mail/fax requests during the year for additional feedback. There is also a possibility of a regional meeting in your area and you may be asked to work with staff to host this event.
Tentative Board meeting dates for 2010 are as follows:
March 6-7, 2010
Winter Committee Conclave & Board Meeting - Location TBD
May 30, 2010
Spring Board Meeting – Destin, FL
August 21-22, 2010
Summer Committee Conclave & Board Meeting – Location TBD
November 10, 2010
GAFP Fall Board Meeting – Atlanta
Expiring terms for the following officers are listed below:
Vice President………………………………………Harry Strothers, MD
Speaker………………………………………..…….Beulette Hooks, MD
Vice Speaker………………………………….……..Thad Riley, MD
Director, 3rd District………………………………..James Hagler, MD (Columbus and Surrounding Areas)
Director, 9th District………………………………..Donald Fordham MD (North Georgia)
Director, 10th District………………………………Mitch Cook, DO (Athens and Surrounding Areas)
Director, 11th District………………………………Foloshade Omole, MD (Atlanta and Surrounding Areas)
Alternate Director, 3rd District………………………..Michael Walsh, MD (Columbus and Surrounding Areas)
Alternate Director, 7th District………………………..Greg Asbury, MD (Cartersville and Surrounding Areas)
Alternate Director, 8th District………………………..Jay Gobderdhan, MD (Adel and Surrounding Areas)
Alternate Director, 10th District………………………Cathleen QuillIan-Carr, DO (Athens and Surrounding Areas)
AAFP Delegate…………………………………..Bruce LeClair, MD
AAFP Alternate Delegate………………………..Beulette Hooks, MD
If you are interested in serving, or would like to nominate a colleague, please contact the GAFP office (Fay Brown at fbrown@gafp.org or call her at (404) 321-7445) no later than May 15th.
April 17, 2009
Free METRIC for GAFP Members- ABFM Part IV Credit
The GAFP currently has two projects available for members using the AAFP METRIC program as the basis for performance improvement. Family physicians can receive up to 20 CME credit for participating in each module. The METRIC will assist you in fulfilling the requirements for Part IV of Maintenance of Certification for Board Certification. Deadline to enroll is May 31, 2009.
The Diabetes Module has launched with great success! With only a few openings left for free registration, now is the perfect time to begin your METRIC journey.
The second, with a focus on Asthma, is associated with our contract with DHR, Division of Public Health. The Asthma METRIC has recently launched, and there are still slots available to participate free of charge!
Even though a physician can only participate in one module at a time, why not encourage a colleague within your practice to be the change agent for the alternate module. What better way to foster performance improvement, than to make it a practice-wide experience.
If you are interested in learning more about these projects, please contact either Angela Flanigan at aflanigan@gafp.org or Cathi Durham at cdurham@gafp.org or 404-321-7445. To learn more about METRIC, please visit the AAFP website http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/cme/selfstudy/metric.html
April 17, 2009
Georgia Excels in the Match
According to National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), Georgia Family Medicine
Residency Programs filled 96.4 percent (53/55) of available positions.
Preliminary information available from the NRMP indicates that the 2009 national fill rate for family medicine residency programs is 2,329 positions filled out of 2,555 positions offered (91.2 percent). U.S. medical students made up 42.4 percent or 1,083 of the family medicine total.
Link to results, charts and analysis at the AAFP web site’s Match section at http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/residents/match.html
Residency program results by region and state: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/residents/match/fillrate.html
The Georgia Family Medicine Residency Programs are very excited to welcome the new group of residents joining the Georgia team.
April 17, 2009
Summer CME Family Medicine Weekend –May 28-31, 2009
Hilton Head Crowne Plaza Beach Resort – Hilton Head Island
It is not too late to sign up and still receive an early bird discount for the GAFP Summer Family Medicine Weekend. Members can attend the meeting and earn up to 24 CME credits (EBCME application pending) over the span of three days for a mere $245.
This meeting not only seeks to meet your CME needs but focuses on your family time as well. Attend sessions in the morning and kick back with your family in the afternoons and evenings. How can you go wrong with fun at the beach, and an opportunity to earn CME credits all at the same time?
Lecture topics this year include Evaluation and Management of Breast Cancer Risk, Medical Management of the OB Patient and the OB Emergency, and Evaluation of the Red Eye. Workshops include The Nuts & Bolts of Becoming a Patient Centered Medical Home, Taping, Strapping, Casting, and Joint Evaluation, and Smoking Cessation.
To enhance your vacation, Hilton Head Crowne Plaza Beach Resort is located on a plantation that offers a wide variety of amenities and recreational opportunities. Activities include bike rental, tennis courts, golf, and volley ball. And, the resort is located directly on the beach.
Additionally, GAFP will host a Welcome Reception and Themed Social to provide opportunities to reunite with your peers and spend time with your family.
Make your reservations now! Call Hilton Head Crowne Plaza Beach resort at 800-334-1881 and ask for the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians’ Room Block. Prices range from $199 guest rooms to $269 suites.
Register for the meeting by going to www.gafp.org and clicking on the Summer Meeting link on the home page.
March 14, 2009
Letter to Physicians
3/5/09
Dear Physician:
In the past few months there have been 18 reported cases of pertussis among elementary school students in four schools in East Cobb County. These cases were diagnosed primarily by PCR. PCR has some advantages in that it is rapid and believed to be more sensitive than culture, but in most labs the clinical sensitivity and specificity of PCR is unknown.
From 2/19-2/24/09, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in cooperation with the Georgia Division of Public Health, and Cobb and Douglas Public Health conducted voluntary pertussis testing of actively coughing students at the four elementary schools. The goal of this evaluation was to confirm if the etiology of the cough illnesses was pertussis and to identify the magnitude of the problem. We tested 108 persons with cough from all four schools. Pertussis culture, PCR, and/or serology were performed by the CDC Pertussis Laboratory as appropriate.
Laboratory results provided confirmation that pertussis has been circulating in Cobb County. Of the 108 persons tested, 22 had evidence of recent pertussis infection. A very limited number were determined to be infectious during the time the specimens were collected and are currently being treated and excluded from school. Of the 18 children who tested positive, 17 had documentation of receiving five Dtap vaccines.
Because clinicians represent the front line in pertussis control, we would like to offer the following reminders about pertussis diagnosis and treatment:
- Pertussis has been shown to be circulating in Cobb County. Pertussis in both previously vaccinated school age children and adults can have milder, non-classical presentations. The diagnosis of pertussis should be considered in any individual presenting with prolonged cough especially if accompanied by whoop, post-tussive vomiting, or paroxysmal cough, regardless of vaccination history. Pertussis culture is the most specific diagnostic test for pertussis. However, given documentation of pertussis circulation in Cobb County, positive pertussis PCR results should be regarded as definitive. Neither pertussis PCR nor cultures are believed to be sensitive tests after 14 days of cough. In patients with longer cough duration, pertussis serology may help with diagnosis; however, validated serology tests are currently not available commercially.
- Appropriate antibiotic therapy given in the first three weeks of cough may shorten cough duration and prevent transmission of pertussis. Persons with pertussis should refrain from close contact with others until they have completed 5 days of antibiotic therapy.
- Persons with pertussis who have not been treated are generally not considered infectious after 21 days. Antibiotic therapy is generally not considered useful after this time even though the cough may persist for months.
- Patients should be up-to-date on pertussis immunizations, including a Tdap booster after age 11 years.
- Please notify your local Health Department or call 866-PUB-HLTH if you identify a suspect or confirmed case.
- Recommendations for exclusion of suspect or confirmed cases from school or daycare and/or prophylaxis of contacts will be determined by the local Health Department.
For any questions please contact 404-657-2588 and ask for Dr. Julie Gabel, Dr. Jessica Tuttle, or Beth Ward. Thanks for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Susan Lance, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Director, Office of Protection and Safety, Georgia Division of Public Health
March 25, 2009
AMA adopts GAFP Resolution
During the national House of Delegates The American Medical Association (AMA) adopted Resolution 216 that called for a policy to give physicians the freedom of opting into the Medicare program on a semi-annual basis and that the AMA petition the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services accordingly.
This is a resolution that came from the Georgia Academy and was approved by both the Medical Association of Georgia House of Delegates and the AAFP Congress of Delegates.
January 19, 2009
Third Party Payer Woes? – AAFP Letter Templates Provide a Solution
Are you having difficulty providing quality care due to a third-party payer’s policies? In a recent article of AAFP News Now, a tool was provided to assist you in taking immediate action. This tool is a selection of letter templates, and is available in the Private Sector Advocacy section, on the Get Involved page of the AAFP web site. Click on "Template Letters" to get started. Members can access these templates, personalize them, and use them to directly address the third party payer.
Some of the topics include:
· coverage of and fair payment for the purchase and administration of immunizations,
· payment for group visits, and
· payment for providing behavioral and mental health services.
January 19, 2009
Day at the Capitol –Thursday, February 5 - Sign Up Today
The GAFP needs your voice at the Capitol during the legislative session. Join
your colleagues in Atlanta on Thursday, February 5th for the Primary Care
Physicians' Day at the Capitol.
Family physicians, pediatricians, and internists will “storm” the state capitol coming together to hear top legislators discuss key items of interest to primary care physicians such as Medicaid, tobacco tax, scope of practice, and the patient centered medical home. There is no fee charged this year for the Day at the Capitol and we encourage all members – including residents and students to attend. Staff and your colleagues will assist you in contacting your state representatives to discuss key areas that are vital to family medicine and your patients. There will be a training session to prep you with the issues for those unfamiliar with the process. Your voice is needed! Please Click here to view registration form and register before January 30. The GAFP will send you a confirmation.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
James H. "Sloppy" Floyd Building and Georgia State Capitol
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Atlanta 30334
8:30 – 9:45 am
Sloppy Floyd Building
Gold Room
Breakfast with Legislators
Ronda Meadows, MD – DCH Commissioner Keynote Speaker
10:00 – 11:00 am
Gold Room
Review of Legislative Priorities,
Prep for meeting with Legislators
11:00 – Noon
Capitol
Meet with Legislators
Noon – 1:30 pm
Gold Room
Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine Keynote Speaker
January 19, 2009
The President’s Address: A Charge To Change
Dr. Howard C. McMahan of Ocilla, Ga., was inaugurated as the 2009 GAFP president during the President’s Gala Dinner Nov. 7 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Dr. McMahan gave a stirring acceptance speech that opened with warm remarks thanking all those who have supported him throughout the years. The meat of his speech explained why support for the Patient Centered Medical Home model is the right thing to do, why this is the right time and why family physicians are the right people to do it. The following is an excerpt from his speech:
There are many pressing issues for this academy in 2009 and beyond: access to care, the uninsured, Medicaid payment increases for vital primary care services, maintaining funding for our CME events at the state level and Medicare payment reform at the national level.
As many of you know, I have spent a good deal of time and effort with the Patient Centered Medical Home model of care.
A Patient Centered Medical Home is a physician practice that has an ongoing partnership between patient and physician. The physician, with the assistance of a practice team, helps the patient navigate the complex and confusing health care system by coordinating and facilitating service with other qualified medical professionals.
What is vital for the future of family medicine is that this model does include payment reform so that we primary care physicians are valued and paid for what we do for our patients, including prevention, education, chronic disease management, coordination and integration of care that is comprehensive, longitudinal and personal, with enhanced opportunities for patient access.
This model – if properly implemented with appropriate incentives for primary care – will also draw more medical students into primary care specialties.
The medical home has been shown, over time, to save significant amounts of money in a given population by reducing ER visits and hospitalization rates, as well as unnecessary and duplicated diagnostic testing and procedures.
The money saved by this model is then used to offset the cost of payment reform. This is not the old ‘gatekeeper’ model, which actually de-incentivized access to care by paying physicians more for less resources utilized. It is a new model that actually promotes timely access to care the patient needs to stay healthy.
There is now a groundswell of support for this model, including all four of the primary care specialties – AAFP, ACP, AAP and AOA – as well as more than 250 members of the Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative, which is comprised of these primary care physician groups, major employers, consumer and other stakeholders. I submit to you that:
- The U.S. health care system produces garbage;
- The system itself is the problem;
- The remedy will require a complete restructuring of the system;
- The Patient Centered Medical Home is the best model supporting a primary care base with proven cost efficiency, improved outcomes and better stakeholder satisfaction.
We have little time to delay. The backbone of our health system, primary care, is being destroyed by the system itself.
We are the right people to advocate for this reformation of the health system. No one has the education, training, experience and willingness to promote patient-centeredness and provide comprehensive care to a diverse population over time as do family physicians.
We must, however, return to the values and the practice model that gave birth to our specialty.
We have much work to do, and I challenge each of you to join with me as this Academy strives to educate physicians, employers, consumer groups, legislators and policymakers in Georgia.
This is the right thing to do, now is the right time to do it and we are the right people to get it done.
Let’s clean up this garbage. As your president, I will be asking all of you to work with me on this mission, in 2009 and beyond.
January 19, 2009