March 2021 E-Newsletter

By Jeremy | March 1, 2021

2021 House of Delegates (May 6): Learn more about the upcoming House of Delegates meeting and how you can be involved from WAFP Speaker of the House Jeanne Cawse-Lucas, MD:

Represent WAFP at the National Conference of Constituency Leaders (April 29-May 1): Connect with colleagues from across the country as you represent WAFP! NCCL helps establish policy for the AAFP, and your voice can make a difference. WAFP is seeking representatives in one of the five constituencies (women, minorities, LGBT physicians or allies, IMGs, and new physicians). Apply today!
COVID-19 Update for Family Physicians (March 11): Learn the latest on state and local COVID-19 response and hear from fellow family physicians who are helping deploy vaccines in their communities. The session has been accredited for 1.00 AAFP Prescribed credit. There is no cost; register today!

DOH Issues Provider Alert on Overdoses: In 2020, DOH counted an increase in overdose deaths related to fentanyl. This increase, combined with mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, led DOH to issue a provider alert to those providing behavioral health services. Read the full alert here.
Poster Session to be Held at ASA: Medical students and family medicine residents from across Washington are invited to participate in a poster session at the 64th Annual Scientific Assembly on May 7-8. Learn more on our website. Questions? Email alyssa@wafp.net.
WAFP Continues to Advocate in Olympia: Although key legislative deadlines have passed, WAFP staff and leadership remains focused on the bills still in play in the state legislature. To see what we’ve been watching this session, visit the Legislative Updates page on the WAFP website.
AAFP’s 2021 Family Medicine Advocacy Summit to be Virtual in 2021: The 2021 FMAS will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 19. WAFP members will still have the opportunity to meet with their representatives in Congress. Learn more on the AAFP’s website or contact Brian Hunsicker at brian@wafp.net.

Make Your Voice Heard on WAFP Resolutions: Several innovations from the 2020 House of Delegates will continue for this year’s event. Chief among them is the ability for any WAFP member to comment on a resolution before it is considered by the House. In next month’s newsletter, we’ll tell you how!
Meet Your Local Health Officer: WAFP’s Public Health Committee is committed to strengthening bonds between local health jurisdictions and family physicians within those jurisdictions. WAFP staff is available to facilitate a meeting with your local health officer; if interested, please contact Brian Hunsicker at brian@wafp.net.

AAFP’s Information Hub for E/M Coding: In case you missed it, AAFP has compiled a wealth of information related to E/M coding, all in one place.
CDC Releases Updated Immunizations Schedules for 2021: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance for adult and childhood immunization schedules. If you’re just looking for the highlights, AAFP News has a recap of what’s new for 2021.
UW Dept. of Family Medicine Speaker Series: Gregg VandeKieft, MD, MA, FAAFP, will deliver the inaugural Farber Visiting Professorship Lecture on Thursday, March 11, at 5 p.m. as part of the University of Washington’s Department of Family Medicine’s 50th anniversary speaker series. His talk is titled, “Holding Onto Your Thread in Tangled Times: Transforming Healthcare by Recommitting to Your Core Values.” Registration is open; the Zoom link for the event will be activated approximately 15 minutes before the event begins.