Public Health

In the public health section, providers and patients can learn about health care topics affecting all of us.

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Grant Program Encourages Healthier Living in Ethnic Communities
The Pennsylvania Medical Society offers an annual grant program that recognizes organizations that are working toward healthy living in ethnic communities.
Exception Process Exists for New Medical Assistance Prescription Limit
Some physicians are concerned about the Medical Assistance pharmacy benefit change that limits adult recipients to six prescriptions per month. There is an exception form for physicians to complete on behalf of their MA patients who exceed the new monthly limit.
Revised 2012 Death Certificate: Was the Coroner Contacted?
As of Jan. 1, 2012, all 2012 deaths must be submitted on the new 2012 death certificate or they will not be accepted.
Controlled Substances Database Bill Aims to Reduce Doctor Shopping
Pennsylvania’s primary statewide tool for collecting data about prescription drugs is limited and outdated. Legislation to create an improved monitoring system is being considered by the state legislature.
Tools and Resources for Diabetics and their Physicians
As November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Medical Society offers this reminder of the many resources available on this manageable and often preventable disease.
Tips on Preventing Strep Infections
There are many things the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you can do to help prevent strep infections.
ADA Launches New Self-Management Program for Your Diabetic Patients
The American Diabetes Association recently launched a free program aimed at improving patients’ self management of type 2 diabetes.
F as in Fat Report Ranks Pennsylvania 19th Most Obese State
According to the eighth annual “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future” report, Pennsylvania is now the 19th most obese state in the nation with an obesity rate of 28.5 percent.
Free Clinic Association of Pennsylvania to Hold Annual Meeting in September
The annual meeting of the Free Clinic Association of Pennsylvania is being held Sept. 23, 2011.
Allentown Medication Clean-up a Success
On April 30, 2011, the Pennsylvania Medical Society and Drug Free Pennsylvania helped to clean out medicine cabinets of unneeded medications at a medication clean-up event held in Allentown.
2011 Immunization Schedules Published
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published the 2011 recommended immunization schedules for children, adolescents, and adults.
PAMED Publishes Informed Decision-Making Form for Screening Tests and Vaccines
The Pennsylvania Medical Society is providing an informed decision-making form to aid in the care of patients for whom physician practices have recommended screening tests or vaccines.
New Website Explains How Federal Health Care Reform Affects Your Patients
The Health Care and You Coalition launched an online resource designed to provide straightforward information to patients about how the new health care law will impact them.
National Vaccine Plan Outlines 10-year Strategic Vision
The overall objective of the 2010 National Vaccine Plan is to prevent infectious diseases and decrease the incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines.
PHC4 Report Confirms Readmission Rates Remain a Public Health Challenge
A recent report says Pennsylvania is not making enough progress reducing hospital readmissions, which is a national public health challenge and a priority among the medical community.
Pennsylvania: Bottom Half for Health in 2010?
Pennsylvania has some good things going on in health care but still ranks in the bottom half of all 50 states, says one rating organization.
Improving Refugee Health Care: What Providers Can Do
Physicians can participate in the Pennsylvania Refugee Health Program to help reduce barriers to care.
Facts about Refugee Health Care in Pennsylvania
Read this series of questions and answers for more information about refugees and their health care needs.
To Work or Not to Work, That Is the Question
Physicians, particularly residents, should carefully consider the consequences for themselves and others when they go to work despite being sick.
Pedaling Nicotine in 2010
Tobacco companies are finding new ways to hook people on nicotine.
State of Medicine Report Identifies Counties on Health Care Access Watch List
Seventeen counties in Pennsylvania are at risk of current or future access to care problems, according to the Pennsylvania Medical Society's 2010 State of Medicine report.
Second Medication Clean-Up Day Sees Similar Success
Hundreds more pounds of unneeded medications were cleared out of medicine cabinets at the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s medication clean-up event in Harrisburg.
Health Education Brochures Available in Spanish
Physicians can download and print this series of free brochures for their Spanish-speaking patients on basic health concerns.
Guide Gives Overview of State’s Health Resources
The commonwealth of Pennsylvania has updated its Health and Human Services Resource Guide, which summarizes services and resources that are available through more than 100 state programs.
Hundreds of Pounds of Unneeded Drugs Cleaned out of Medicine Cabinets
About 4,000 doses of narcotics and more than 200 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs were cleaned out of Pittsburgh-area medicine cabinets on May 8.
How to Answer Patient Questions on the Immediate Effects of Health System Reform
Be prepared for patient questions on health system reform.
Join Network to Provide Care for Refugees
Physicians interested in providing care for refugees can join the Pennsylvania Refugee Health Program provider network.
PAMED Increases Efforts to Eliminate Ethnic Health Care Disparities
The Pennsylvania Medical Society is working to help physicians provide the best care to patients from all ethnic backgrounds and eliminate ethnic health care disparities.
Pediatrician Cares for a Community
Dr. Yagnik has touched many lives during her time at ChesPenn Health Services, which operates three federally qualified community health centers in Chester and Coatesville.
Importance of Encouraging Mothers to Breastfeed
Physicians of all specialties can help infants get the best start to life by encouraging mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months.
Practices Mark First Year with State’s Chronic Care Initiative
Two physicians look back on their first year with Pennsylvania's chronic care initiative, which helped them redesign their practices to better care for patients with chronic diseases.
Form Helps Coordinate Care for Seniors
A team of Pennsylvania health care organizations has developed a form that will help long-term care facilities and physicians coordinate patient care.
Medical Society Exploring Safety Net for Uninsured
The Pennsylvania Medial Society is exploring how to shore up Pennsylvania’s safety net for the uninsured, and how physicians can help.
The Last Thing You Do for Your Patients: Correctly Complete the Death Certificate
Death certificates are vital to public health, epidemiology, and the deceased’s loved ones.
School Immunization Regulations (PA Code)
State regulation listing the immunization requirements of children entering and attending schools in the commonwealth.
Disease Reporting
This publication includes lists of reportable diseases, how and where to report, confidentiality rules, and penalties for failing to report.
Preparing for Public Health Emergencies
Because the public looks to physicians for help and information about all aspects of health care, it's critical to consider the potential roles in a public health emergency and prepare to fill them.
Measuring Your Adolescent Patient's Growth
Tools for physicians to use in their offices.

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