Interested in family medicine? Registration for the AAFP’s National Conference is now open. There, you can expand on med school and prepare to transition to residency.

Registration is Open: National Conference 2024 

Registration for National Conference 2024 is now open. Join us August 1–3 in Kansas City, Mo., for three days focused on helping you become the physician you want to be. 

The AAFP’s NC offers you resources you can’t get anywhere else, filling the gaps of med school with hands-on learning, inspirational speakers, and lifelong connections.   

You can also expect to: 

• Get an in-depth view of family medicine 
• Develop leadership skills 
• Start shaping your career 

In celebration of our 50th year, registration is only $50 through May 16, so don’t delay—register today.  

Millions of America’s youth are being harmed by the pervasive use of flavored vape products that have flooded the market in recent years. The 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey stated that nearly 90 percent of youth who use e-cigarettes or vapes are utilizing a flavored version; mostly fruity/sweet flavors, but minty and menthol varieties are also being used. This is a huge issue, as vaping has been linked to many detrimental health effects. Problems such as nicotine addiction, mental health problems, lung damage, and heart disease have all been found in young people after the use of vaping products.

Since flavored tobacco products have a proven track record of enticing young users, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has started a petition to urge the FDA to take action against these products. The petition specifically targets flavored e-cigarettes, flavored cigars, and menthol cigarettes. To add your name to the supporters of this petition, visit https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/get-involved/fda-flavor-petition-2022. You can also sign up to receive emails from Tobacco-Free Kids to learn more about how you can support their work.

If you want to do more to help Georgia’s youth learn the dangers of vaping, sign up to be a Tar Wars presenter! Email the Statewide Tar Wars Manager, Lauren Shamblin, at lshamblin@gafp.org to get started today.

Long-time Georgia Academy members have played an instrumental role in advancing our mission to advance family medicine and support our patients in communities across the state.  As current leaders of the GAFP’s Foundation (Georgia Healthy Family Alliance), we are reaching out to share an opportunity that can further amplify the impact of GAFP members who qualify while optimizing their tax benefits.

You may already be familiar with the IRA Charitable Rollover, a provision that allows donors like you to contribute directly from your IRA to qualified nonprofits, such as the Georgia Healthy Family Alliance. However, we wanted to bring to your attention a specific aspect of this opportunity that can significantly benefit both our organization and your financial planning strategy.

Upon reaching the age of 73, the IRS mandates that retirees begin taking minimum distributions from their IRAs annually. These distributions are typically subject to income taxes, thereby reducing the overall value of your retirement savings. However, through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), you can roll over funds of up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to our foundation without incurring taxes on those funds.

By leveraging this provision, you can not only fulfill your required minimum distribution but also make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across Georgia. Your support will enable us to continue our vital work, including awarding grants to community health projects addressing critical issues such as diabetes, obesity, women’s health, and youth smoking cessation through programs like Tar Wars.

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by health disparities and emerging public health threats, your generosity has never been more essential. Together, we can advance our shared vision of healthier communities and brighter futures for all Georgians.

Should you wish to explore this opportunity further or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Executive Director, Fay Fulton, at 404-321-7445 or ffulton@gafp.org.   Additionally, you may contact Robert Nix of Peachtree Wealth Strategies, who manages all of our stock donation transfers, at 404-218-5739 or rnix@peachtreews.com.

We understand the importance of informed decision-making, so we encourage you to consult with your tax advisor to determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances.

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to our cause. Together, we can make a profound and lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities throughout Georgia.

Mitzi B. Rubin, MD, FAAFP – Marietta                                             
President    
Georgia Healthy Family Alliance  

Patrick J. (“PJ) Lynn, MD – Rome                       
Vice President
Georgia Healthy Family Alliance

Effective January 1, 2024, the Georgia Department of Community Health will now cover and reimburse for the following Behavioral Health/Psychiatric procedure codes below, for clinicians enrolled in Outpatient Hospital Services (COS 070), Physicians Services (COS 430), Physician’s Assistant Services Programs (COS 431) and the Advanced Nurse Practitioner Services (COS 740) programs.

• 99484 – Care Management Behavioral Health Conditions – $41.18
• 99492 – Initial Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management -$136.57
• 99493 – Subsequent Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management – $109.18
• 99494 – Initial or Subsequent Care Psychiatric Collaborative Care Management – $56.42

 *COS 070 -Providers will be reimbursed their current outpatient percent rate of submitted charges. *COS 431 and 740 – Providers will be reimbursed 90 percent of the above Medicaid rates.

Should you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Gainwell Technologies Call Center at (770) 325-9600 or 1-800-766-4456 or contact www.mmis.georgia.gov.

Georgia’s Department of Public Health Seeking Feedback and Offer for In-Office Education to Your Team

Georgia’s Department of Public Health is asking for Georgia’s Family Physicians to respond and provide insights that are crucial in ensuring the best possible care for children and adolescents with special healthcare needs in Georgia.

Each year, the Department of Public Health relies on the feedback and experiences of physicians like you to assess and improve the quality of care provided to this vulnerable population. New this year, we’re adding an exciting incentive to encourage your participation!

By completing our annual survey and practice assessment, you’ll not only contribute to advancing healthcare practices but also stand a chance to win one of two Delta Gift Cards worth $500 each! Imagine the possibilities – a well-deserved planned getaway, or a quick hop to somewhere unexpected.

Public Health is also asking for a contact in your office if you would like your staff to receive additional education and support on Georgia services and support for youth with special healthcare needs.

Your feedback is invaluable in shaping policies and practices that directly impact the lives of children and families across Georgia. We understand the demands of your time but completing this survey will only take a few moments, and the impact will be significant.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFJ7TCC

Survey Deadline: March 22, 2024

Your participation ensures that Georgia continues to lead in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to every child, regardless of their unique health needs. Thank you in advance for your dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for our youngest patients. Together, we can make a difference.

On Tuesday, January 30, Georgia’s family physicians took center stage at the State Capitol, engaging in crucial discussions with key legislators. This gathering not only celebrated the vital role family medicine plays in communities statewide but also addressed pressing issues facing the medical field and our patients.

Among the focal points were discussions on workforce development, addressing scope of practice concerns, seeing an increase in Medicaid budgets for primary care physician payment, and alleviating administrative burdens. These topics are not just matters of policy; they directly impact the quality of care delivered to patients across Georgia.

Workforce development emerged as a key concern, with a focus on recruiting and retaining skilled family physicians, particularly in underserved areas. Ensuring an ample supply of healthcare professionals is essential for meeting the diverse needs of Georgia’s population.

Addressing the scope of practice was another critical aspect of the conversation. By examining regulations and exploring avenues for collaboration among healthcare clinicians, participants sought to optimize the delivery of care while maintaining patient safety.

Managing the Medicaid budget was a topic of significant importance. Members engaged in constructive dialogue on how to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that Medicaid recipients receive the necessary care and seeking relief for our members who care for this fragile community.

Administrative hassle relief was also on the agenda, with discussions centering on streamlining processes and reducing paperwork burdens for clinicians. Simplifying administrative tasks can free up valuable time and resources, allowing physicians to focus more on patient care.

Overall, Georgia’s Family Physicians Day at the State Capitol served as a platform for productive exchanges and collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing healthcare in the state. By working together with legislators and other primary care and OB/GYN stakeholders, family physicians are committed to enhancing healthcare delivery and improving outcomes for all Georgians.

Some GAFP Leaders Attending Day at the Capitol

Speaker Jon Burns and Representative Butch Parrish with GAFP member Dr John Gerguis

House Health Chairman Lee Hawkins and State Representative Michelle Au, MD

Special Health Committee Chairman Butch Parrish and GAFP member Dr. Trey Gunter

Join Your AAFP Colleagues and Speak Out (Via Phone Or Email)

The G2211 add-on code went into effect on January 1, and clinicians across the country are using it to more appropriately value the time, intensity, and practice expenses required to provide comprehensive primary care.

However, the entire physician community is facing an untenable 3.4 percent Medicare payment cut coupled with rising inflation. These cuts will place additional strain on primary care practices, undermine progress toward value-based care, and accelerate health care consolidation.  

The AAFP is urging Congress to act swiftly to avert these cuts, but your lawmakers need to hear from family physicians like you. Speak Out today and urge your lawmakers to prioritize relief from Medicare payment cuts in a funding package!

Click this link to immediately contact your Congressional delegation:  https://fammedpac.aafp.org/take-action/alertid/283/

The editors of FP Essentials are seeking proposals from potential authors through March 15. Author groups receive a $4,000 honorarium for preparing a manuscript and seeing it through to publication.  

FP Essentials is a monthly monograph series that features comprehensive, up-to-date reviews of clinical topics important to family medicine. FP Essentials is indexed in PubMed/Medline and is one of the AAFP’s most popular CME activities.  

Proposals are being solicited for these topics: 

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Medicine 
• Male Sexual Disorders 
• Pulmonary Infections in Adults 
• Well-Child Care 

Click the link for submission requirements and other important information. Submissions are due by March 15. 

Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? Have you been on the fence about training for Tar Wars? Did you do Tar Wars in the past and are considering getting back into the swing of it? Now is the time to jump in headfirst! We have upcoming presentation opportunities in Dawson County and in Savannah that will need presenters. Presenting Tar Wars is easy, fun, and gives you the opportunity to interact with students in your local community in a way that you may not usually get to.

To be eligible to present Tar Wars, you will need to go through a short training session. This can be scheduled with our Statewide Tar Wars Manager Lauren Shamblin at https://calendly.com/tarwars, or through email at lshamblin@gafp.org. Please consider jumping in and making a difference through Tar Wars!

Registration is now open! The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians & the Georgia Primary Care Association invite you to join us for the 2024 GAFP & GPCA Summer Family Medicine CME Weekend, June 6-9, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, SC for CME and family fun in the sun. Every summer, GAFP members flock to the beach for the best CME, camaraderie, and industry networking. This year, we’ll be at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. The resort is located on sugar sand beaches off the coast of South Carolina on Hilton Head Island and offers a variety of resort activities and amenities right on the beach.   

!!NEW THIS YEAR!!

You must first register for the summer meeting. Once done, you will automatically receive the hotel booking link. The block is sure to fill up quickly so make sure that you register for the meeting as soon as possible. Early bird registration ends on April 10, 2024.

On Thursday, June 6, many of the GAFP committees will meet, followed by the welcome reception for all, which will take place on the beautifully manicured Palmetto Lawn of the recently renovated resort. Friday and Saturday will include all-day CME, as well as time to network with our industry partners! Our final day, Sunday, will offer attendees another half day of CME. Be sure to visit our website regularly for additional information as plans continue to evolve.

For more information on the meeting, including how to register, hotel details, and see a CME schedule, please click here: https://web.cvent.com/event/b518e475-f44a-4513-b4e5-bcb6b598b8c9/summary.

Kaneisha Smith works for the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, and one of her responsibilities is presenting Tar Wars to Northwest Georgia! Kaneisha sat down with Lauren Shamblin, Statewide Manager for the Tar Wars program, to share her experiences.

Tell us a little about yourself!

Hi! I’m Kaneisha Smith and I currently work for the Northwest GA Regional Cancer Coalition. I was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. My educational background is in psychology with degrees from UGA and Capella University. In my free time, I run a dog treat business called Mr. Pickles Dog Bakery. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy spending time walking in nature, baking, or reading webcomics.

What has been your experience with Tar Wars? 

I have heard the Tar Wars presentation delivered to a group of children a few times, but I’m very new to teaching it myself. Most of the presentations I’ve given have been with elementary-aged children, and they LOVE asking questions to learn more. Much of their curiosity stems from what others may have told them, or what they’ve seen. I feel like I’m making a difference in their education by teaching them the truth about tobacco.

Do you have a good memory or interesting experience you can share? 

After one presentation, a girl with asthma asked me how cigarettes can impact breathing. Since I struggle with asthma as well, I connected with her on the importance of using her inhaler and used my Tar Wars knowledge to educate her on how cigarettes could further impact her ability to breathe.

What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a Tar Wars volunteer presenter? 

Unfortunately, most children have family members using cigarettes or vapes. However, being able to provide these children with information on the dangers of such products helps them to be able to make healthier decisions. Volunteering to deliver Tar Wars is a great way to help educate the youth with facts from a reliable source, especially since they are probably unaware of the actual dangers of tobacco.

Good news! In 2023, the GAFP’s Foundation (Georgia Healthy Family Alliance) received an unprecedented amount of donations to support our Immediate Needs Grants – targeting underserved and/or rural communities.

No one knows better than our members the needs that would give an immediate boost to your community.  We have been challenged to give out up to 50 ($50,000) Immediate Needs Grants before the end of March.

We invite you to apply for a grant (OR have someone apply for it – with your permission as the “member-sponsor”).  It takes less than 15 minutes to apply, and the money is sent out within 3-5 business days.

Recent grants have supported:

• Re-tooling of a home for a medically fragile child
• Transportation Assistance
• Food Assistance
• Prescription Assistance for the Elderly
• Domestic Violence Shelter Needs (formula/diapers)
• Medical Supplies for Schools
• Backpacks for weekend meals for Title I schools

The Immediate Needs Grant application can be submitted electronically by clicking here: https://form.jotform.com/232705001403135. In addition, you can also scan the QR code below to complete the application. Questions? Contact Kara Sinkule – ksinkule@gafp.org or call 404-321-7445.