Archive for the ‘GAFP Membership News’ Category

Georgia Academy Responds to Request for Medicaid Innovation and Improvement Suggestions

Current contract holders are Anthem, CareSource, and Centene (PeachState), serving more than 1.9 million beneficiaries as of May 2022. Existing contracts run through June 30, 2024. The request for proposals is expected to be released in late 2022 or early 2023. The Georgia Academy responded to the RFI submitting over seven pages of how Georgia’s Medicaid system could be improved.  Chapter President Dr. Susana Ajoy Alfonso noted in our cover page the following:

On behalf of the 3,200 members of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, we are submitting suggested recommendations for consideration by the Department as you craft the new (and anticipated) request for proposals for insurance companies focusing on the Medicaid population.  Thank you for allowing us to compile suggestions for quality improvement that help our patients and brings savings to the state of Georgia.

While we are submitting separate information through your RFI process, note that we work closely with our primary care physician and OB Gyn society partners through the Patient-Centered Physician Coalition of Georgia which represents over 10,000 family physicians, pediatricians, internal medicine physicians, obstetricians/gynecologists, and physicians of osteopathic medicine.

We look forward to providing continuous feedback and collaboration through this process. 

Some of the suggestions that were submitted to Georgia’s Medicaid include the following:

  • The Georgia Medicaid program should encourage innovative ideas as medicine and technology are constantly changing.
  • DCH should consider a forum whereby clinicians and/or patients and families can propose innovative ideas and best practices such as-
  • Automatic Behavior medicine assessment for all patients with uncontrolled chronic diseases
  • Coverage for standalone pharmacy services such as for uncontrolled diabetics
  • Community grants which address novel ways to combat SDoH challenges
  • Prior authorization reform needs to occur both for behavioral and physical health– similar to what has occurred in Ohio. Ohio is implementing a fiscal intermediary that will serve as a single point of entry for prior authorization requests.  

Additional information can be found here:

Uniform Preferred Drug Lists

States can establish a uniform PDL (or single PDL) across both managed care organizations and FFS. This is a strategy that states are employing for administrative efficiency and ease, to increase transparency, and maximize drug rebates.

States with a Uniform PDL

The most recent state-by-state analysis that was conducted of state policies regarding uniform PDLs was in 2019 by the Kaiser Family Foundation with support from HMA. In that survey, 16 states reported having a uniform PDL for some or all drug classes as of July 2019. Those states are:

Uniform PDL for all drug classes:

Arkansas

Delaware

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Minnesota

Mississippi

North Dakota

Texas

Uniform PDL for some drug classes:

Arizona

Florida

Massachusetts

Nebraska

South Carolina

Virginia

Washington

Georgia Shines at AAFP’s Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS)

AAFP’s FMAS was held recently in Washington, D.C., and brought together more than 240 Academy members, who met with 220 members of Congress and their staffs to rally behind three top AAFP policy priorities: increasing access to telehealth, addressing the mental health crisis and finally ensuring Medicaid payment parity.

Georgia Academy leaders who represented the state chapter included:

  • Susana Ajoy Alfonso, MD, FAAFP – President
  • Loy D. “Chip” Cowart, MD, FAAFP – Legislative Committee Vice Chair
  • Leslie David, MD – Practice Management Committee Member
  • Casey Henritz, DO – Legislative Committee Member
  • John Gerguis, MD, FAAFP – Legislative Committee Member
  • Fay Fulton – GAFP Staff

Chapter President, Susana Alfonso, MD, accepted an award for the Georgia Academy for the GAFP’s member participation with the AAFP’s FAM MED PAC.

COVID-19’s long shadow looms over Medicaid patients as the public health emergency draws toward a close, while the ongoing pay disparity between Medicaid and other payers continues to threaten primary care practices (especially in rural and underserved communities) with financial instability. These factors, members told Congress during FMAS, mean that Medicaid payment rates must be raised, and federal Medicaid regulations strengthened.

To do these things, the Academy continues to press for passage of the Ensuring Access to Primary Care for Women and Children Act (S. 1833) and the Kids Access to Primary Care Act (H.R. 1025), and an increase of Medicaid payment rates to at least Medicare levels, and to urge that the Biden administration enforce and strengthen federal Medicaid access regulations. 

In advocating for improved behavioral health care integration in primary care, FMAS participants reminded lawmakers and their staffs that family physicians are often the first point of contact for patients navigating the health care system. One-third of the care for serious mental illness and a quarter of prescriptions for serious mental illness take place in a primary care setting.

GAFP Summer CME Family Weekend Returns

The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, in collaboration with the Georgia Primary Care Association, hosted its annual 2022 Summer Family Medicine Weekend on June 16-19, 2022 at Hotel Effie in Miramar Beach, Fla.

Over 200 GAFP members and exhibitors convened in-person at the Hotel Effie for educational sessions and fellowship, after a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The GAFP Summer CME Weekend provides family physicians and other primary care clinicians with current medical information designed to strengthen their knowledge base and introduce new concepts and clinical practice skills through a cost-effective, evidence-based, and diverse educational program.

The two and a half day conference included clinical education on Early Detection of Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease, Legal and Staff Aspects of Workplace Surveillance and other leadership and clinical topics.   GAFP member Dr. Monica Parker presented Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Updates, and How to Effectively Implement Accountability Without Losing Staff  with William J. Kuzbyt, PsyD  gave members leadership and administrative guidance. In addition, two lunch lectures were sponsored by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Fellowship and fun were also a hallmark of the family friendly conference, including the welcome reception on Thursday and the sandcastle building competition on Friday. The 2023 Annual Summer CME Family Weekend is scheduled for June 7-11, 2023 at the Wild Dunes Resort located in Isle of Palms, S.C.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Georgia Academy. We will host the annual meeting Nov. 10-12, 2022 in Atlanta at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria. Registration opens in August on www.gafp.org.

Caduceus Society Spotlight: Dr. Sreevalli Dega and Dr. Ian Munger of Statesboro Urgent Care – GAFP Members Supporting their Community and GHFA

Walking into Statesboro Urgent Care is a delight to the senses. The cool pastel colors, friendly and experienced staff, soothing sounds, and pleasant fragrance seem more spa-like than medical office. It’s obvious in the design and details of the facility that importance was placed on the comfort and care of the patients. Elite care in a comfortable setting.

Offering urgent care and family health care services for adults and children, Statesboro Urgent Care is anchored and owned by two experienced doctors, Dr. Sreevalli Dega and Dr. Ian Munger. The two family physicians met during residency and moved to Georgia in 2013 after their wedding in Iowa.

Statesboro Urgent Care was built during the height of the Covid pandemic and opened in November 2020. Construction during the pandemic posed many problems, but also lead to some interesting innovations. The steadfast and dedicated approach by Dr. Dega and Dr. Munger was the reason the project was finished. Cost of goods, availability of goods, issues with getting permits from public services that were down, these all created backlogs, extra money, extra paperwork that slowed the process.

“We don’t have backing financially from outside sources, hospitals, or providers. This is owned by ourselves and the responsibility was ours alone,” stated Dr. Munger.

They credit the community and their connections to helpful people for assisting them along the way with getting in touch with the right people and the right areas to get things accomplished. 

One design feature that arose from construction during the pandemic was the need for a drive thru Covid testing area that was discreet and protected from inclement weather. This feature was implemented and now serves as a unique, effective, and efficient part of the overall design.

Dr. Dega is Board Certified in Family Medicine with special training in Urgent Care Medicine, DOT physical training, workman’s compensation claims, and drug screening. She has been practicing Urgent Care Medicine full time since 2013.

Born and raised in India, Dr. Dega migrated to the United States in 2007 after completing her medical college and one year of internship. She went on to complete residency at Mercy Medical Center, Uni of Iowa hospitals in Iowa. She has been practicing medicine since 2012. Dr. Dega is on the board for East Georgia Regional Medical Center and also serves her community as a proud Rotary member and volunteers in the community thru Statesboro Service League.

Dr. Ian Munger is a full-time Emergency Medicine physician at East Georgia Regional Medical Center and serves as administrator and part-time physician at Statesboro Urgent Care. From Jacksonville/Haines City, Florida and Newton, Iowa, Dr. Munger is a graduate of the University of Florida and Central College with degrees in Biology and Fire and Emergency Services. His medical degree is from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida. Dr. Munger has been an ER physician for 12 years, but trained in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine. His interest in primary care is due to urgent care medicine and community medicine. He is the EMS director for multiple counties in South Georgia.

Tar Wars tobacco and vape prevention education is the program that Dr. Munger and Dr. Dega support through the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance as Caduceus Society members, which is a gift level ranging from $10,000-$25,000. It clearly expresses generosity and strong support from Dr. Dega and Dr. Munger for Tar Wars.

For Dr. Munger, growing up with parents that smoked and witnessing them struggle with quitting, as well as seeing how accessible it was at a young age made him aware of the problems associated with tobacco and gave him insight into understanding how and when to target education to stop the start of the problem. 

“Once that opportunity passes, it is very hard to catch up,” expressed Dr. Munger.

For Dr. Dega, she has seen patients in urgent care and also primary care (FQHC) with active or passive smoking at an early age and the family dynamics around it.

“I do believe prevention is better than cure. Educating these young adults at the right age and at the right time in a structured school environment with lot of resources will help us fight this battle,” stated Dr. Dega.

Dr. Dega and Dr. Munger have even decided to get trained as Tar Wars presenters to help initiate the outreach and implementation of the program into the schools in Statesboro.

When asked who is your favorite TV/movie doctor; Dr. Dega chose House, MD and Dr. Munger chose Doogie Houser, MD.

If you would like information about Tar Wars and ways to help support this tobacco and vape prevention program, please contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or 404-321-7445   https://www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/

Members in the News-Dr. Susan Schayes honored among Top 50 Women Leaders of Georgia for 2022

ChenMed Chief Transformation Officer is the only physician on list of distinguished Georgia business leaders.

Women We Admire, which recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of today’s women leaders across business, government, non-profits, entertainment, sports and other fields of work and interest, has just published the Top 50 Women Leaders of Georgia for 2022. 

Susan Schayes, M.D., MPH, FAAFP, Chief Transformation Officer for ChenMed, a national leader in primary care, is honored for her expert clinical and business contributions helping the hyper-growth company transform care of the neediest populations through nearly 100 centers in 12 states. 

Dr. Schayes is a long-time leader within the GAFP, having served on our Board of Directors, the Education and Research Committee, and received the Family Medicine Educator of the Year Award. Congratulations Dr. Schayes!

 

Georgia Winners Selected for AAFP National Conference Poster Presentation

The AAFP National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students provides one of the largest forums for medical students and family medicine residents to display research initiatives and special projects. Fifty posters have been selected for display during the conference.   Posters will be displayed onsite during National Conference, July 28­–30 in Kansas City, MO.  Poster topics include:

  • Clinical inquiry
  • Community project
  • Educational program
  • Research

GAFP members – resident Dr. Anthony Daniels and medical student Marshall Weber were selected to display their poster.  Congratulations Dr. Daniels and Mr. Weber! Winning Poster Research Topic:  Anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis: Case Report and Literature Review of a Frequently Misdiagnosed Condition (Clinical Inquiry) Anthony Daniels, MD and Marshall Weber | Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

New Obesity Clinical Guidance from AAFP

In an ongoing effort to make it easier to find clinical, education and implementation information on important health topics, the AAFP just released a new clinical guidance webpage on obesity and healthy lifestyle.

The page contains resources to work with patients on weight management, healthy eating habits and physical activity.

 

GHFA Seeking Applicants For Third Cycle 2022 Community Health Grant Awards Program

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) is currently seeking applications for the final cycle of the 2022 Community Health Grant Awards program. Grant awards of up to $5,000 are made to GAFP member-sponsored community groups that support program priorities including underserved populations and community projects that promote healthy practices consistent with the principles of Family Medicine. Current GAFP members including medical students, residents and active/life members are eligible to apply. The application deadline for third cycle 2022 awards is July 9. Third cycle grant awards will be announced in August 2022.

Over the last ten years, the Community Health Grant Program has awarded over $510,000 in grants back to GAFP members, residency programs, FMIG groups and their communities including Wellstar Kennestone Family Medicine for their “Let’s Get Moving” Pedometer project:                                                                                                  

” I am motivated to live healthier for my children. I want to control my diabetes through exercise,“ said a Wellstar “Let’s Get Moving” Pedometer project participant on what motivates her to make healthy nutrition and exercise choices.

To apply, visit www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/grants/ to download a 2022 grant application or to view a list of previously funded community health grant projects.

Even if you do not have a community project that could benefit from a grant, please consider making a contribution so that the Alliance can continue to support these vital community projects. All donations are tax deductible. Alliance contributions can be made easily online at www.georgiahealthyfamilyalliance.org/donate/ or by contacting Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org or calling (800) 392-3841.

Aging Resources in Georgia – Recorded Lecture – So Fine You Need to Listen One More Time

If you (or your staff) missed the education recently offered by the Georgia Academy on resources for your geriatric patient population, please click below. In collaboration with the Atlanta Regional Commission and funded by a grant from RRF Foundation for Aging, the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians will be bringing education to our members, and their clinical teams, to focus on our aging and elderly patients.

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/v9t9HtvtH7W8nHNsWqxcaUTC9A8JLvA7WJgZ6y9gAwpWKSdOTt6PtV3bJnHAhkPz.ayrXaPOacfvr6Wqo

Passcode: rC85#mL+

Faculty

Adrienne Mims, MD, FAAFP
Karen Nelson- Client Services Coordinator/EDWP
Mary Blumburg-Strategic Planning and Development Unit Manage

www.empowerline.org

The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance Launches Fourth Tar Wars Strike Force Initiative in Middle Georgia

Georgia Healthy Family Alliance (GHFA) – the philanthropic arm of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, (GAFP) officially launched the Middle Georgia Tar Wars Strike Force initiative May 3, 2022 in Macon. Local family physician leaders, Dr. Harry Strothers and Dr. Monique Davis-Smith, joined GHFA Board President Dr. Eddie Richardson Jr., a team of family physicians and local community leaders at the kickoff to address the epidemic of youth vaping in 15 Middle Georgia counties.

The goal of the Middle Georgia Strike Force is to raise $250,000 to bring Tar Wars, a youth anti-tobacco, anti-vaping education and awareness program, to approximately 20,000 4th and 5th grade students in Bibb, Houston, Wilkinson, Monroe, Jones, Twiggs, Baldwin, Crawford, Peach, Laurens, Bleckley, Dodge, Washington, Johnson and Treutlen counties over the next three school years.

Tar Wars is an evidence-based, effective, and interactive educational program that has impacted the lives of more than 10 million children worldwide since it’s development by family physicians in 1988. The Georgia Healthy Family Alliance and Georgia Academy of Family Physicians provide all trainings, lesson plans and materials needed at no cost to the schools, presenters and volunteers.

Statewide Tar Wars Manager, Abbey Carr, is outreaching to schools in the Middle Georgia footprint to build awareness and initiate implementation of the Tar Wars tobacco and vaping prevention program offered at no cost to participating schools. Plans are currently underway to implement Tar Wars into all Bibb County public elementary schools with a Fall 2022 target date. Tar Wars presenter training sessions for the PE and/or health teachers are scheduled for July and will impact 4th and 5th graders at 20 elementary schools – approximately 4,000 students. Outreach efforts to school leadership within Middle Georgia will be extensive and ongoing.

GHFA Director of Philanthropy, Alexis Klima, is meeting with potential individual donors, businesses, foundations and organizations for funding support and outreach. Prior to the launch, GHFA had already secured $51,500 in Tar Wars education support in the Middle Georgia region.

Georgia’s statewide average of students in grades 6th – 12th who admit to vaping is around 9%. There’s specific and urgent cause for concern in Middle Georgia where most of the counties within the Tar Wars Strike Force region are near, or greater than the statewide average.

Tar Wars has been acknowledged on the Georgia Department of Education’s website as one of the preferred educational activities for school children and designated as one of the CDC’s “Programs that Work” for tobacco and vaping prevention.

All funds raised for the Middle Georgia Strike Forces go directly back into the communities in which they are designated.  Please click here to make a donation to the capital campaign or to a specific Tar Wars Strike Force, or for more information contact Alexis Klima at aklima@gafp.org.

Managing Medical Debt: Loan Repayment Programs

The GBHCW administers service-cancelable loan repayment programs for physicians, dentists, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses. The programs assist in paying any debt incurred for tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with the completion of the aforementioned degrees for practitioners who agree to practice full-time in an underserved, rural county in Georgia with a population of 50,000 or less.

  • Physicians for Rural Areas Assistance Program (PRAA)
  • Georgia Physician Loan Repayment Program (GPLRP)
  • Dentists for Rural Areas Assistance Program (DRAA)
  • Physician Assistant Loan Repayment Program (PALRP)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Loan Repayment Program (APRNLRP)

 Here are resources to determine the eligibility of a county you may be interested in servicing:

If you have questions about any loan repayment program listed here, please contact:

Contract Administrator – Yvette Speight
For loan repayment program applications or contracts 
Primary: (404) 463-1057 / yspeight@dch.ga.gov

 Physicians for Rural Areas Assistance Program (PRAA):

  • A service-cancelable loan of up to $25,000 per year to licensed physicians
  • Assists physicians in repaying outstanding medical education loan debt
  • Physicians must provide direct patient care in medically underserved, rural areas of Georgia
  • “Full-time” practice is a minimum of 40 hours per week (of which 32 hours must be direct patient contact while the remaining hours can be administrative)
  • Contracts are awarded for one year and are renewable for an additional three terms (for a maximum of four years and $100,000)
  • Funding for this program is provided solely by the State of Georgia
  • Application cycle runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 1
  • PRAA information flyer

Georgia Physician Loan Repayment Program (GPLRP):

  • A service-cancelable loan of up to $25,000 per year to licensed physicians
  • Assists physicians in repaying outstanding medical education loan debt
  • Physicians must provide direct patient care in a Health Professional Shortage Area located in a rural Georgia county
  • Full-time practice is a minimum of 40 hours per week
  • Initial contracts are awarded for a two-year period ($25,000 per year)
  • Recipients can renew up to two times for annual awards (for a maximum of four years and $100,000)
  • Funding for this program is provided jointly by the State of Georgia and a grant from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administration
  • It is limited to physicians practicing the specialties of family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, geriatrics, or psychiatry
  • Application cycle runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 1
  • More information can be found on the Health Resources and Services Administration website (click HERE).