July is National UV Safety Month
How can UV Safety Month make a difference?
We can all use this month to raise awareness about skin cancer and help people take action to prevent it – both at home and in the larger community.
Here are just a few ideas:
Encourage families to adopt good habits together, like wearing sunscreen and limiting their time in the sun.
Motivate teachers and administrators to teach kids about the harm of UV rays and why it's important to protect yourself.
Identify youth leaders in your community who can talk to their peers about taking steps to prevent skin cancer.
Link below for more information and resources.
To Find Out More Click Here
May was Lyme Disease Awareness Month - But the Ticks Don't Know to Go Away!
Lyme disease is the most common vectorborne disease in Maine. Cases have already been reported in 2014, and the number will rise as the weather continues to get warmer. Cases have been increasing each year in Maine, and occur in all 16 counties. More than 1,375 cases of Lyme disease were reported statewide in 2013, a record high for Maine.
Other diseases that are carried by ticks in Maine include Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan. In 2013, providers reported 94 cases of Anaplasmosis, 36 cases of Babesiosis, and 1 case of Powassan. Five anaplasmosis cases and two babesiosis cases have already been reported in 2014.
To Find Out More Click Here
ICD 10 Coding - Is YOUR Practice Ready?
ICD 10 Codes must be used as of October 1st dates of service - Are YOU ready?
The transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 coding will require significant changes in your documentation, workflow, and technology. The AAFP has put together a topic collection featureing how-to articles from FPM's ongoing series focused on ICD-10 coding. Check it out and begin preparing now if you haven't already.
To Find Out More Click Here
Join Forces to Help Your Patients Who Are Returning Military Veterans
The AAFP has compiled the resources to help family physicians care for patients who have served in the military, and to raise awareness of health issues that may affect returning service members.
To Find Out More Click Here
Dr. Barbara Vereault of Bangor Named MAFP's 2014 Family Physician of the Year
Barbara Vereault DO, of Bangor, Maine received the award as Maine Family Physician of the Year at the annual meeting of the Maine Academy of Family Physicians in South Portland on April 11, 2014. She was chosen and recognized by her colleagues for her outstanding accomplishments and her outstanding dedication to her patients and her community.
To Find Out More Click Here
Diversion Alert Program Now Available FREE for Medical Providers in Maine
What is the Diversion Alert Program (DAP)?
The DAP is a statewide program for medical professionals which:
• alerts health care providers to patients arrested for diverting or abusing prescriptions;
• provides an online, password protected arrest database; and
• provides educational resources to assist in responding to patients arrested or charged with illegally diverting prescriptions
To Find Out More Click Here
~ Members in the News ~
MAFP Member - Ron Blum MD of Patten - Among the Primary Care Physicians from Maine featured in the Quinnipiac University Documentary - "The Doctor Will See You Now - The Changing Face of Primary Care"
"THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW: THE CHANGING FACE OF PRIMARY CARE" explores the evolution of primary care in America, and the current health care industry from the perspective of primary care physicians and their patients. Doctors share the challenges and rewards that come with practicing general medicine. Patients share the importance of the doctor-patient relationship in their personal health care.
For information on Alternative Models of Care see our PCMH/DPCwebpage
Parasite Prevalence Map (interactive) - How prevalent is Lyme? Ehrlichiosis? Anaplasmosis? Here in Maine - check out this interactive map of your county
Interested in AAFP & MAFP Membership?
Requirements and Application Information HERE
Diversion Alert Program (DAP) Now Available FREE
for Medical Providers in Maine
What is the Diversion Alert Program (DAP)?
The DAP is a statewide program for medical professionals which:
• alerts health care providers to patients arrested for diverting or abusing prescriptions;
• provides an online, password protected arrest database; and
• provides educational resources to assist in responding to patients arrested or charged with illegally diverting prescriptions
MORE INFORMATION & SIGNUP
Expand your family medicine circle. Join AAFP Connection, a
safe and secure members-only community, where you can:
Connect with peers in a safe online community for AAFP members, Connect and share in a secure envionrment through discussion forums, file share & Wikis, Connect with family physicians who share common interes
Patient Safety isn't just for one week!
Check out these valuable resources to
share with your patients year-round
