Archives
-
Direct primary care: A light in the darkness
By Kissi Blackwell, MD
Recent events have shed light on the existing difficulties facing family physicians and have revealed the fragility of the current healthcare system. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has devastated our health care delivery process, and many family physicians are facing the difficult decision to close their doors or contend with salary reductions due to sharply decreased face-to-face visits. Now, more than ever, patients are valuing visits that can take place outside of the exam room, and, unfortunately, reimbursement has been severely lacking for virtual visits for traditional fee-for-service practices.
In the midst of all this uncertainty, there has been an inherent need to shift the way we approach primary care delivery and payment. In a time where we stand to lose thousands of primary care physicians to financial difficulties or retirement forced upon them by the current situation, we owe it to our profession to find a better way.
more -
Family physicians’ role in lung cancer care
By the LuCa National Training Network
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Texas — more than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined. The good news is that annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography, or LCS with LDCT, allows for lung cancer to be diagnosed at earlier stages than in the past. Most importantly, up to 80% of people with screen-detected lung cancer can be cured. Despite United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for LCS with LDCT in high-risk individuals and CMS coverage since 2015, Texas ranks below average for LCS among high risk individuals, with only 1.7% of those eligible receiving screening with LDCT, according to the American Lung Association.
Provider discussion and referral can have a tremendous impact on screening participation. “In one study, 82% of patients reported that they would undergo LDCT lung screening if recommended by their physician. Another study found that approximately 85% of LCS-adherent patients reported ‘trust in their provider’ as a reason for undergoing screening,” according to a 2019 study in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
more -
President's Letter
The resilient nature of family physicians
By Javier “Jake” Margo Jr., MD
TAFP PresidentGreetings colleagues! Even though it is pretty much a cliché at this point, I just have to say: Wow, what a crazy year. As the summer has both flown by and simultaneously seemed to last an eternity, I have found myself thinking a lot about resilience. Even in the constant tumult of 2020, our members across the state and all over the country have adapted, learned new technologies, and implemented new processes to try to keep their clinics open for their patients.
Certainly for some, that proved impossible, and it may be months before we know the true damage done to our primary care infrastructure by COVID-19. Yet we know so many family physicians are finding ways to make it through and to continue to take care of their communities. We have circled the wagons and battened down the proverbial hatches. We are cautiously exploring what actions and activities are safe in our schools and our communities. We are moving forward with hope and optimism.
more -
Why EHR integration can no longer be your only marketing investment
By Sandra Scott
The implementation of electronic medical records and electronic health records ushered in a new era of digital communication between physician and patient. Although we can reflect upon the merits as well as the disadvantages of these systems, the fact remains that the most recent data from the CDC shows that almost 86% of office-based physicians use them. Given the adaptation of this technology, how can it best serve your practice goals, and should it be your only investment in marketing your practice?
Do more with your integrated system
more -
Erica Swegler's address to AAFP Congress of Delegates during the election for AAFP President-elect
By Erica Swegler, MD
Hello friends and colleagues spread across the country, I bring you greetings from Austin, Texas. I'd like to begin by expressing my profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve these past three years on your board of directors. It has been a distinct pleasure to work alongside such a dedicated group of physicians, furthering our agenda of health care for all, fighting for more comprehensive payment for the care we provide, and prioritizing diversity and a more equitable health care system.
But I must admit, as I stand here looking into this lens, I really wish we were all together right now! Of all the things I love about the Academy, one of my favorites is being at these meetings surrounded by our colleagues, all those smiling faces, the handshakes and the hugs, engaging in civil discourse and disagreements, but leaving as friends. We will be together again, and when we are, it will be wonderful.
more