2006 House of Delegates Report

The actions of the 2006 House of Delegates showed a commitment to the future and reaffirmation of key concepts at the core of MAFP activities.  Led by Speaker Lynne Lillie, M.D., and Vice Speaker Gerald Jensen, M.D., delegates encouraged MAFP assistance for family physicians transition their practice to a Medical Home.  They also reaffirmed the MAFP’s role in supporting family physicians as they pursue procedural privileges and the importance of maintaining funding for family medicine education.

Support for FPs Transitioning Practices to Medical Home

The MAFP will establish a support process for Minnesota family physicians who are exploring the transitioning of their practice into a Medical Home.  For a description of the Medical Home concept, click here.

Exploring Coalition with Pediatricians and Internists

The MAFP will explore the feasibility of family physicians establishing a coalition with general pediatricians and general internists with the intent of working on common clinical interests and political needs, initially around the promotion of the Medical Home concept in Minnesota.

Standards of Care and Reimbursement for Patients with Multiple Chronic Diseases

A resolution will be sent to the MMA asking them to explore the development of models both for the standardization of care through appropriate practice guidelines for patients with multiple chronic diseases and then for the appropriate reimbursement of that care by third party payers in Minnesota.  A similar resolution will be sent to AAFP.

Improving Physician Communication Regarding Hospitalized Patients

The MAFP will request that the MMA endorse the MAFP Position Statement entitled “Communication Between Inpatient Care Physicians and Primary Care Physicians.”  Copies of the position statement are available through the MAFP office.

Resource Directory for Private Practices Considering Selling

A resource directory will be developed that private practices may access prior to making the decision to sell their clinic to an HMO or hospital system.

Billing Practices for Outside Laboratory Services

The Board of Directors will continue to monitor activities that might restrict family physician clinics’ ability to cover the costs of processing outside laboratory orders.

Sleep Medication Advertising

The MAFP will express concerns to AAFP about DTCA of sleep medication with the suggestion that AAFP develop physician education programs, patient education materials and additional research on the impact of the use of sleep medication.

The MAFP will express the same concerns to  the MMA with the recommendation that a resolution be sent to the AMA encouraging the exploration of advertising restrictions and establishing a dialogue with the drug manufacturers.

Thank You to Regions Faculty

The MAFP expresses appreciation to the Regions Family and Community Medicine Residency faculty for their years of dedication and service to training a capable work force of family physicians committed to the care of the underserved.

Continued Advocacy for Family Medicine Education Funding

The MAFP will continue to work with state and federal legislators to maintain or improve funding for post graduate education in Family Medicine.

Continued Support of Family Physicians Pursuing Procedural Privileges

The MAFP will continue to provide support for any Minnesota family physician who is finding barriers to procedural privileging.