June 18, 2019 Issue 83
The Next Generation…
of Nicotine Addicts

Tobacco usage among Kentucky adults is nearly double the national average. Annual smoking related healthcare costs in Kentucky total $1.9 billion dollars, of which nearly $600 million is covered by Medicaid. That is $1,116 per Kentucky household in state and federal taxes for government spending on tobacco-related health care. Beyond the financial cost, the human costs of pulmonary disease and cancer are well documented. These “shocking”  statistics are not surprising to physicians — we see the impact of tobacco in our practices every day.

KMA President Bruce Scott, M.D., Elected Speaker of the AMA House of Delegates

KMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D., was elected the new speaker of the American Medical Association House of Delegates on June 8. In this position, Dr. Scott will preside over 640 physicians and medical students who comprise the policy-making body of the nation's largest physician organization.

June Public Health Minute : HIV

In this month's Public Health Minute , Commissioner Jeffrey Howard, M.D., discusses HIV and new concerns for public health practitioners and the provider community.

Click here to view video.
Update on Telehealth Law That Takes Effect July 1, 2019

The 2019 Kentucky Telehealth Summit, held May 23 in Bowling Green, provided clarification and updates on the telehealth law passed in 2018 and becomes effective July 1, 2019. The law requires Medicaid, managed care organizations (MCOs) and commercial health plans to cover medical services provided via telehealth to the same extent they cover medical services provided in-person.  

MEMBER NEWS
Chang to Chair Kentucky Statewide Opioid Stewardship Program

KMA member Phillip Chang, M.D. , chief medical officer at UK HealthCare, will chair an advisory committee to develop standards for the Kentucky Statewide Opioid Stewardship program.
Moyer Recognized as National Leader in Public Health

KMA member Sarah Moyer, M.D. , director and Chief Health Strategist, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness, was recognized by the de Beaumont Foundation as one of its inaugural "40 Under 40 in Public Health" for her national public health leadership.
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