2010 AAFP Board of Directors Candidate Karen Mitchell, MD

The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians is pleased to introduce their colleague and unanimous choice as a candidate for the 2010 AAFP Board of Directors,  Karen Mitchell, M.D. 

To learn more about Dr. Mitchell and her Experience and Energy to Hit the Ground Running, check out her latest interview.

“Understanding the Meaning of Meaningful Use” Webinar on August 19

The Final Rule on Meaningful Use was released July 13 by CMS. It outlines how eligible professionals can qualify for specific Medicare and Medicaid incentives created by ARRA for adoption and use of certified EHR technology. Up to $44,000, over the course of five years, will be available for health information technology (HIT) implementation and use through Medicare. See the article in the July 14 issue of AAFP News Now for more details.

During the next few days, the AAFP Center for Health IT (CHIT) staff will carefully analyze the 864-page meaningful use rule and the certification rule to make sure that we understand what members have to do to qualify.

After a brief review, the Academy is particularly pleased with three particular changes for which we advocated:

1) Change “all or nothing” – there are now 15 core measures and a menu of 10 measures, of which 5 would be required

2) Lower the thresholds to more practical levels

3) Limit CPOE (computerized provider order entry) to medications only

In addition, the Center for Health IT has created a new web page to assist you with questions (www.centerforhit.org/meaningfuluse). It will be updated on a regular basis with Meaningful Use information, requirements, analysis, as well as, tools and resources. For more information and to register for the “meaningful use” webinar click here.

July 20th, 2010: We at the MAFP have joined forces with the Michigan Purchasers Health Alliance (MichPHA) to promote the new MedEncentive Program. MedEncentive is a health care incentive program that creates an atmosphere of mutual accountability for doctors and patients. Doctors can now be rewarded for incorporating "best medical practices" and advancing patient education and empowerment. Patients can now be rewarded for demonstrating knowledge of their conditions and engaging in self management. Read the full press release to find out all the details about the MedEncentive Program and the MAFP's new partnership with the MichPHA.

March 2010 Press Release