December 2020 E-Newsletter

By Jeremy | December 1, 2020

Purchase PPE from Project N95 Now Through Dec. 8: WAFP is partnering once again with AAFP and Project N95 to offer another opportunity for members to purchase the following PPE at bulk pricing and in small quantities: N95 surgical respirators (sizes S and M/L); surgical masks (Levels 1-3); isolation gowns (Levels 1 and 2); face shields; and gloves. More details are available on AAFP’s website.
New E/M Coding Event on Dec. 8: Following up on our November seminar on coding, WAFP is pleased to host a virtual conversation with experts from Brown Consulting Associates on coding changes specific to family physicians. The session will run from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. AAFP has approved 1.50 Prescribed Credits for this seminar. The cost is free, but registration is required.
2020 Student & Resident Retreat: Among the topics for this year’s virtual retreat are advocating for health equity, dermatology on skin of color, gender-affirming care, and OB disparities. The keynote speaker is Edwin Lindo, JD, of the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine. The retreat will be held Jan. 30 and 31; the cost to attend is $20 for both days. Register today!

PAL for Moms: Funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority and staffed by University of Washington faculty with expertise in perinatal behavioral health, PAL for Moms is a free telephone consultation line. Any physician or other provider in Washington state can access the service by calling 877-725-4666 (PAL4MOM) weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, sign up for their monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on current research, trainings, resources and more; visit their website; or contact them through email.
Green Center Surveys: Virginia Commonwealth University’s Larry A. Green Center, in partnership with Primary Care Collaborative, has been conducting regular clinician and patient COVID-19 surveys since March. Full results are available here, and details of their latest November edition can be found here.
Tell Congress that Changes to Medicare Payments are Critical to Primary Care: Congress is considering legislation that excludes E/M office visits from financial relief, which would force primary care to bear an unreasonable financial burden. This at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hit all physicians hard. Tell Congress to support fair Medicare payment for primary care physicians.

FMAD at Home: Though we are anticipating a virtual Family Medicine Advocacy Day event, WAFP is also making plans to allow for any member to participate whenever their schedule allows. By utilizing the VoterVoice platform, you can send a message to your delegation with the click of a mouse. In the meantime, we await guidance from the Washington State Legislature on the contours of the 2021 legislative session. FMAD is currently scheduled for Monday, Feb. 1.
Become a Published Author: WAFP welcomes articles for Washington Family Physician. Please send your idea or submission to brian@wafp.net. So long as the topic relates to family medicine, all topics are welcome!

ALSO 9th Edition: AAFP has released an updated Advanced Life Support Obstetrics (ALSO), which covers the most current, evidence-based obstetrical emergency content. This course can help your team bridge knowledge gaps and boosts skill sets necessary to help reduce maternal mortality. The course includes online pre-work, hands-on training, group learning, standardized mnemonics, and CME/CNE. The AAFP’s website has more information about hosting an ALSO course for your facility.
Family Medicine Cares Resident Service Award: The AAFP Foundation is offering $16,500 award to a first- or second-year resident to address health disparities by tackling the health needs of the most vulnerable in their local communities. The 12-month project should have an enduring benefit to patients and the community. Learn more on the AAFP Foundation’s website.