IAFP Logo
IAFP News Bites
April 2020
For the next several weeks, we will be sending out IAFP New Bites every Wednesday. The weekly e-news will increase our ability to provide you COVID-19 updates in one central location.
COVID-19 Resources
With the global spread of COVID-19,  IAFP wishes to provide members with the most accurate information as the Coronavirus situation evolves and wishes to direct members to four primary resources: 

  CDC's Coronavirus Center for Healthcare Professionals: Updated daily. Direct access to interim guidance on key issues, extensive health resources, etc.

  AAFP's Coronavirus Center: As more is being learned about the coronavirus infection, the AAFP has a team that is monitoring the situation on a daily basis and posting all relevant updates on its  dedicated COVID-19 resource. There is a lot of evolving, and sometimes inaccurate, information about the situation, so members can be confident that this page contains the most recent information they need that is aligned with the CDC and focused squarely on family medicine.

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH  - Provides a variety of resources for physicians, patients and the public.

We are also continually adding links to resources and information to our IAFP COVID-19 website that we think will benefit our members. 

AAFP to Hold Weekly
 Town Hall  on COVID-19
AAFP will be holding a weekly town hall every Wednesday night from 7:00- 8:00 pm to provide updates on COVID-19. CME is available for participating.

You can join the Town Hall via the links below:
 
 
 
Twitter: twitter.com/aafp

CMS Announces Changes to Medicare Benefit and Payment Policies
Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a series of changes to Medicare benefit and payment policies.  Included in the announcement was a change in payment policy whereby CMS will begin paying for telephone-only visits conducted by physicians. 

Achieving this change in payment policy has been a priority for the AAFP.  You can read about the new CMS policies HERE.

CMS also has included an Iowa specific waiver you can find more information HERE.

2020 Okoboji and Galena Summer 
CME Getaways Canceled 
IAFP has made the difficult decision to cancel both the 2020 IAFP Okoboji and Galena Summer CME Getaways in June.  
We are saddened to have to do this, but feel with so many unknowns, it is the best decision at this time. 

Please plan on joining us in Okoboji and Galena in 2021. 
Our 2021 Okoboji CME Summer Getaway will be held 
June 10-12, 2021 at Bridges Bay Resort.

We are currently working to secure a date in 2021 at Eagle Ridge Resort for our Galena conference and will let you know once a date is confirmed.
ABFM: Impact of COVID-19 on 
ABFM Certification Activities
The American Board of Family Medicine thanks all family physicians for their exceptional commitment to caring for their patients and their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize that these are truly unprecedented times and want to do everything we can to allow you to focus on what is most important: your patients and your families. Our commitment is  that no family physician will lose their ABFM certification because of the extraordinary patient care pressures associated with this pandemic.

Family physicians across the country are learning rapidly about COVID-19, applying what they learned to their practice setting, and adapting their approach to provide better care for patients at an unprecedented rate. ABFM will recognize you for these contributions in its continuing certification program. Additionally, if you are unable to participate in certification activities or Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment (FMCLA) in 2020 because of the demands of this pandemic, it  will not jeopardize your certificate or your ability to continue your certification.
 

Ad: LYMECME
The risk of tick-borne diseases (TBD) is increasing across the country as different tick species have significantly expanded their ranges. It's important for IAFP members to know more about TBDs and evidence-based treatments for them.  LymeCME  offers free, accredited CME modules developed for family physicians by a family physician. Tick season is here - now's the time to check us out. 
Farm Bureau Scholarship Opportunity for 4th Year Medical Students and 3rd Year Residents 
The Iowa Farm Bureau Foundation and the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians' Foundation would like to encourage you to apply for the $5,000 Farm Bureau Scholarships that are given to one student and one resident annually. 

To view eligibility details and learn more, click here!
Telligen Offering Telehealth 
Webinar on April 2nd
Voting for Iowa Medical 
Society Board of Directors 
Voting started last week for the Iowa Medical Society Board of Directors. Several family physicians are running for positions on the board and for AMA delegate. We encourage you to vote using the personalized link that was sent out to all IMS members.
Iowa Academy of Family Physicians | 515-283-9370 | m [email protected] | w ww.iaafp.org
Pam Williams, Executive Vice President, [email protected]
Katie Cox, Deputy  Executive Vice President , [email protected]
Kelly Scallon, Director of Education and Advocacy, [email protected]
STAY CONNECTED: