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GeorgiaObstetrical andGynecologicalSociety, Inc.OBGyn NewsGeorgia SectionThe American Congressof Obstetriciansand GynecologistsPROMOTING EXCELLENCE INWOMEN’S HEALTHCARE in GEORGIAOCTOBER 2014 VOLUME 8, NUMBER 5P4HB: Filling the Medicaid Gap withCoverage for Women’s ServicesGeorgia Medicaid Plan Covers Gyn Care andFamily Planning Services for Eligible WomenPlanning for Healthy Babies (P4HB) is aGeorgia Medicaid Benefit Planfor eligible women ages 18 to 44.P4HB providesuninsured womenin Georgia, nototherwise eligiblefor Medicaid or theChildren’s HealthInsurance Program(CHIP), with healthcare coverage for routine gynecologicalcare, family planning services, and casemanagement. Members can be enrolled in1 of 3 programs offered under the P4HBplan. The three programs offered are:1. Family Planning (FP): Availableto ALL eligible women and coversroutine gynecological care, familyplanning services, but does notinclude full medical benefits.2. Interpregnancy Care (IPC): Amore comprehensive plan ONLY forwomen who havennualA4delivered a very10The 2lightsg high onlow birth weightMeetinndfoucan be4-7.pagesin this issueP4HB: Filling the Medicaid Gap withCoverage for Women’s Services .1Meet the 2014-2015GOGS Board of Directorsand Advisory Council .2(LBW) baby (birth weight 1500grams). IPC offers coverage forroutine gynecological care, familyplanning services, primary care,dental care, treatment for substanceabuse, medications for chronic healthconditions, and case management/resource mother services.3. Case Management/ResourceMother: This plan is available towomen who already have traditionalMedicaid and offers them access toa case manager/resource mother toassist with coordination of services forthe individual as well as the family.P4HB helps fill the gap in healthcare coverage for women in Georgiawho are not eligible for Medicaid andcannot afford a plan on the health careexchange marketplace. Without Medicaidexpansion in Georgia, many women areunable to get their basic health careneeds met. The outcome: Increasedrates of infant morbidity and mortality,unwanted pregnancies, increased teenpregnancy, increased low birth andvery low birth weight babies and highrisk pregnancies leading to poor birthoutcomes. P4HB gives women accessto health care coverage that will preventmany of these adverse outcomes. Oncea woman loses her pregnancy coverage,Medicaid P4HB offers providers the abilityto retain those patients and continue toShoulder Dystocia Training .3Editor’s Column/Annual Meeting Highlights .4-5see them for routine gynecologic andfamily planning services.Like most insurance plans, memberpatients should present a P4HB benefitcard at their health care visit. Benefitscan also be verified at the time ofservice with the CMO in which thewoman is enrolled: Amerigroup, PeachState, or Wellcare. There are no copaysor deductibles under the P4HB plan. Alleligible services are fully covered. Adetailed description of benefits can befound in the provider handbook of theplan in which the woman is enrolled andcan be accessed online.A Quick Look at What P4HB CoversHere is a description of gynecologic,family planning or health care servicesthe insurer pays for under the plan:1. One (1) Well Women/AnnualExam (yearly)2. Four (4) additional visits arecovered, including but not limited to:Follow-up and/or Problem Visits- Sexually Transmitted Disease(STD) Screening (excludes HIVand Hepatitis B)- STD Treatment – most antibioticprescriptions are covered underthis plan- Pregnancy Testing- Contraceptive Management(initiation, renewals, changes)- Follow-up of Abnormal Pap Smears(includes coverage for colposcopyand LEEP)3. Tubal Ligation4. Vitamins and Folic Acid5. Select Immunizations for Women19-20 Years Old. Women who are18 years old receive vaccines at no costContinued on page 3P4HB Covered ServicesServicesFamilyPlanning 2014-2015 Flu Season Update .9Family Planning/GYN Services (five (5) visits max including Annualexam)News from Around the State . 10-11Primary Care Visits (5) Administrative OfficeDental Care (limited) Substance Abuse Treatment Annual Meeting Highlights .6-7Notifiable Diseases .84485 Tench Road, Suite 2410Suwanee, Georgia 30024Telephone: 770 904-0719Fax: 770 904-5251www.georgiaobgyn.orgPrescription Drugs for Chronic Dz.(non-family planning)Case Management/Resource MotherInter-pregnancy Care Case Management/(IPC)Resource Mother
OBGyn NEWS, October 2014OBGyn NEWS, October 2014P4HB: Filling the Medicaid Gap with Coverage for Women’s ServicesDr. Anne PattersonContinued from page 16. Counseling and referral to socialservices and primary care service(only for women enrolled in the IPCprogram or Case management/Resource Mother program)2014-2015 GOGS PresidentDr. Anne Patterson took the reinsas this year’s Society presidentat the 2014 Annual Meetingin August at Sea Island, GA. Dr.Patterson has been providing maternalfetal medicine expertise for years.Dr. Patterson received her medicaltraining and completed her OBGynresidency and MFM fellowship atEmory University. She was based inprivate practice at Northside Hospitalfor over 20 years and is a national leaderin obstetrical care. Dr. Patterson alsohas her Master’s Degree in Engineeringfrom the Georgia Institute of Technologyand has been an early adopter of cuttingedge ultrasound, EMR and telemedicinetechnologies. She serves on the Board ofDirectors for many statewide advisory,hospital and professional associations. Dr.Patterson is a true leader in her specialtyand a principal of Women’s Telehealth.Exceptions and ExclusionsP4HB offers access to women’s healthservices but has some limitationsproviders should be aware of. Providerscan download the provider handbookwhich gives a detailed description ofservices covered. Like all health plans,(Red denotes a member who has moved to a new position or is new to the Board)Nominations andAwards CommitteeChair: Roland Matthews, MD Ruth Cline, MD David B. Byck, MDGovernment Relations CommitteeChair: Andrew A. Toledo, MD Vice Chair: Carla Roberts, MD Members: Greg Cook, MD,Thomas Hatchett, MD, Winifred Soufi,MD, Jules Toraya,MDGrant Activities CommitteeChair: Jeffrey H. Korotkin, MD Members: David B. Byck, MD, P. RuthCline, MD, Roland Matthews, MDEducation and ResidencyInvolvement CommitteeChair: Roland Matthews, MD Members: David B. Byck, MD,Chadburn Ray, MD, William Butler, MD,Ira Horowitz, MD, Jessica Arluck, MDGOGS Brings Shoulder Dystocia Trainingto the National Medical Association Conf.with – FP, Newborn Screening, Hep B, Immunizations – just to name a few.Conference participants were also able tosee the ultrasound (US) program offeredeorgia was well represented at thisity committee information, the Georgiaby Society board member, Dr. Kevin Goyear’s National Medical Associations Medicaid P4HB family planning (FP)mez, of Atlanta. Participants were able to(NMA) annual conference in Hawaii. waiver program, ourpractice US techniques,Thanks to the NMA OB Section Chair, Dr.commitment to educatreading US images andVictoria Green, and Society Past Presiing physicians on theexplore using a state-of RolandIs a Matthews,non-profit,member ownedbenefitsdent, Dr.the Georgiaimportanceof supportthe-art US machine oningbreastfeeding(MediOBGyn Societywasabletooffershoulderlive models. The inforplan that provides stable, affordable,cations and Mother’sdystocia training to NMA participants. Amation provided duringqualitycoveragebig thank yougoes tohealthDr. AnnetteMiles,Milk book provided),the OB section sessionour 39 weektoinitiative inof Atlanta,the shoulwas very well received whoHashelpeda fullfacilitateCertificateof Authoritycollaboration with Marchder dystocia trainings.by providers from aroundoffer coverage in GeorgiaofandAlabamaIt was also a great opportunity toDimes, Georgia’sthe nation. PhysiciansPhysicians’ Alliance of America(PAA) with(withstatesprocess)CenteringPregnancydisplay someof themorewonderfulworkinthealso were stateImmediateGeorgia Sectionof ACOG is doingthe workfor mothershas been serving practicesfor over22 andIs compliantwithforallourapplicableMiles show the shoulder dystociaPostpartum LARC initiamembers in our own state. Some of theinfantsandthesupportyears.sponsorsPAHPT as afederaltrainingmodel atPAAthe NMAconference.thethetive, and the Georgiainformation andsharedwas theregulations includingPostpartumlocal chapter of ACOGmajorvalueforPAAmembers.HemorrhageACAtoolkit, Maternal MortalPublic Health programs the Society works offers OBGyns of Georgia.G PAHPT:C. Anne Patterson, MD, AtlantaCatherine M. Bonk, MD, DecaturRoland Matthews, MD, AtlantaHugh D. Smith, MD, ThomastonChadburn Ray, MD, AugustaMargaret D. Schaufler, MD, LaGrangePam Gallup-Gaudry, MD, SavannahVictoria Green, MD, AtlantaPat Cota, Suwanee2014-15 Advisory CouncilMembership CommitteeChair: Dina Weiss Linfoot, MD Members: Holly G. Coleman, MD,Bonita Dozier, MD, Lisa S. Rogers, MDObstetrical Practice CommitteeChair: Shelley Dunson-Allen, MD Vice Chair Perinatal Medicine: MichaelLindsay, MD Vice Chair Genetics: Kevin Gomez, MDPublic Health and Relations CommitteeChair: C. Anne Patterson, MD Vice Chair Victoria L. Green, MDPractice Management CommitteeChair: Steve Mintz, MD, MBA Vice Chair: Catherine M. Bonk, MDMedicare, Medicaid and Third PartyPayer CommitteeChair: Al Scott, Jr., MD Members: Andrew B. Dott, MD,Hugh D. Smith, MD TheIs currentlyexempt froma numberHealthofPhysicians’AlliancePlan Trust (PAHPT)ACA taxes and feesIsMembersThousandsonAllianceTheirHealthPlans! SavingOffers multipleplan optionsto fit yourThe Physicians’HealthPlan Trust (PAHPT)Is Saving Members Thousands on Their Health Plans!needsPAHPT is the simple, quality solutionbuilt specifically for the medicalPAHPT:PAHPT:PAHPT:community.The Physicians’ Alliance Health Plan Trust (PAHPT)Is Saving Members Thousands on Their Health Plans! Gynecological Practice CommitteeChair: Cyril O. Spann, MD Vice Chair Gyn Oncology: Vice Chair Urologic Gynecology:Brian Raybon, MD Vice Chair General Gyn: Cary C. Perry, MDProgram CommitteeChair: C. Anne Patterson, MD Volunteer Activities CommitteeChair: Thomas L. Hatchett, MD Vice Chair: Mike Scott, MD Reproductive EndocrinologyCommitteeChair: Robert J. Straub, MD Vice Chair: Robin H. Fogle, MDGyn PACChair: Andrew A. Toledo, MD Treasurer: Nancy H. Cook, MDReproductive Health CommitteeChair: Cynthia A. Mercer, MD Vice Chair: Camille Davis-Williams, MDRetired Physicians CommitteeChair: John B. Hill, MD Vice Chair:Enrollment and AdditionalInformationWomen can enroll in the P4HB plan or findadditional details about P4HB through: Planning for Healthy Babies website www.planningforhealthybabies.com Georgia Department of CommunityHealth P4HB website - http://dch.georgia.gov/planning-healthy-babies Toll free number 1-877-P4H-B101 or1-877-744-2101 Local Departments of Public Health Division of Family and ChildrenServices (DFCS) Office of Performance, Quality andOutcomes at 404-463-7454 Managed Care Organizationswebsites:- Amerigroup: www.amerigroup.com- Peach State: www.peachstate.com- Wellcare: www.wellcare.comThe Physicians’ Alliance Health Plan Trust (PAHPT)Is Saving Members Thousands on Their Health Plans!Meet the 2014-2015GOGS Board of Directors and Advisory CouncilPresident: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President-Elect: . . . . . . . . . . .Immediate Past President: . . .Secretary Treasurer: . . . . . . . .Member at Large: . . . . . . . . . .Member at Large: . . . . . . . . . .ACOG Section Chair: . . . . . . . .ACOG Sec. Vice-Chair: . . . . . . .Executive Director: . . . . . . . . .women can access the patient handbookonline which details the services coveredunder the P4HB plan.Communications EditorAl Sermons, MDACOG Ex Officio Members Ramon A. Suarez, MD Ben H. Cheek, MD Sandra B. Reed, MD Is a non-profit, member owned benefits Is a non-profit, member owned benefits planplan that provides stable, affordable,Is a non-profit, member owned benefits plan thatthat provides stable, affordable, quality healthquality health coverageprovides stable, affordable, quality health coverage Has a full Certificate of Authorityto more information and testimonialsForcoverageoffer coverage in Georgiaand Alabama Alliance of America (PAA) has beenPhysicians’Has a full Certificate of Authority to offer coveragePhysicians’ Alliance of America (PAA)(with more states in process) by PAHPTenrollees Has a full Certificate of Authority to offer Is compliant with allhas beenservingpracticesover 22 PAA sponsorsapplicable stateservingpracticesforover22 foryears.in Georgia and Alabama (with more states inyears. PAA sponsors the PAHPT as aandfederalregulations includingcoverageinGeorgiaandAlabama(withmorethe PAHPTmajorvaluefor beenPAAservingmembers.majorvalue forPAA members.Allianceasof aAmerica(PAA)hasACA Physicians’process) Is currently exemptfrom a number ofstates HPTas aIs ndfeesa non-profit,memberownedplanvalueoptions tofit your Is Iscompliantwithallapplicablestate benefitsand Offers multiplemajorforPAAmembers.regulations eedsplanexemptthat providesstable, affordable,federalregulations includingACAPAHPT is the simple, quality solutionIs currentlyfrom a number of ACAtaxesspecifically for themedical community.built specifically for the medical ragecommunity. and testimonials byand feesFor more s to fit yourneedsFor more information and testimonials taxesHasanda fullof AuthoritytoPAHPT enrolleesby PAHPT enrollees Offers multiple plan options to fit your needs PAHPT is the simple, qualitysolution built specifically foroffer coverage in Georgia and Alabama the medical community.Call 855-337-2478Call855-337-2478PAHPT:Call 855-337-2478Visit www.PAHPT.comPhysicians’Alliance of America (PAA)(with more states in process)Visit www.PAHPT.comVisitwww.PAHPT.comthe confusionandof ACA,has beenandservingpracticesfor over22Formoreuncertaintyinformationtestimonialsby PAHPTenrollees Is compliant Escapewith all applicablestateyears.PAAsponsorsas aand federal regulations includingEscapetheconfusionanduncertaintyof ACA, the PAHPTEscapethestaffconfusionanduncertaintyof ACA,Take careof yourandsavemoney!Take caremajorof your staffandsavemoney!value for PAA members.ACACall855-337-2478Take care of ContactyourstaffPAHPTNow!and save money!Contact Is currently exempt from a numberof PAHPT Now!www.PAHPT.comVisitPAHPTContactNow!ACA taxes and fees Offers multiple plan options to fit yourEscapeneedsthe confusion and uncertainty of ACA, take care of your staff and save money!3
OBGyn NEWS, October 2014OBGyn NEWS, October 2014Editor’s ColumnOh, What a Meeting!My wife and I took the backroads home to Atlanta afterthe GOGS Annual Meeting atSea Island, August 21-24. As shedrove along Highway 341, I relaxedin the passenger seat, turned onPandora, and reminisced about themeeting. I was pumped, excited fromall that I had heard and learned, andhours, lasting well after midnight.Therefore, I was tired and late when Iarrived at the GOGS meeting.The Board meeting had started at10:00 a.m. I arrived at approximately10:30. I glanced around the roomand recognized past presidents of theSociety, the president of the GeorgiaSection of ACOG, and the secretaryof ACOG. Yes,Al Sermons, MDeven the presidentEditorof ACOG was aAtlanta, GAguest at this year’smeeting. Boardmembers werepossible care to women and children ina compilationthe state of Georgia.of distinguishedThe first clinical session startedcolleagues fromat 1:30 Thursday afternoon. In thethroughout theevening, we were wined and dinedstate of Georgia.at the opening reception. For theThe topics ofnext three mornings, we had clinicalconversationsessions provided by some of the mostwere relevant,intellectual minds in our profession.meaningful,Additionally, there were lectures byand seeminglyacclaimed, elected public servants ofendless. Weour craft.discussed accessI was particularly impressed with theand maintaininglectures given by Dr. Edward PartridgeMedicaidOBinIncoming GOGS President, Dr. Anne Patterson, (on right)from the University of Alabama. Duringrural Georgia. Wehonors Outgoing President, Dr. Roland Matthews,his first presentation, Dr. Partridgediscussed taxwith the help of a few “Presidential Secret Service Men.”lectured on screening guidelines for theincentives and loantotally impressed to be a part of thisearly detection of cervical cancer. Atrepayments for new OBGyns practicingmagnificent group of human beings!in rural Georgia. We talkedWith every thought of the past threeabout The Affordable Caredays, my mind kept repeating theAct. I still wonder if it isphrase, “Oh, what a meeting!”truly affordable. We talkedContrary to my trip down to Theabout healthcare exchange.Cloister three days earlier, I was inDoes it mean that ourno rush to return to Atlanta. Pandorapatients exchange healthconnected, and the sound of Rayinsurance so that theyCharles singing “Georgia On My Mind”are covered for a wellnesswas like déjà vu. This had been thevisit, but remain technicallyfirst song played at the opening of theuninsured, because ofbanquet the night before. However,high deductibles? I satthe first official song had beenquietly during much of thededicated to our wonderful Executivemeeting. I listened andDirector Pat Cota, whom we learnedobserved board membershad recently “jumped the broom.”as each spoke passionatelyI had been crunched for time asabout the topics. As I hadI prepared for my trip down to Seadone so often in the past, IIsland from Atlanta. I spent the nightrecognized the full characterbefore waiting for a multip to deliver.of this board, and I wasIt was a G6P5 that I had promised toproud to be a part of it. Indeliver personally, but secretly hopedthose moments, I realizedwould be delivered while I was outthat as different as weof town. As luck would have it, sheare—separated by politicalpresented to the Labor & Deliveryaffiliation, gender, color,in active labor and six centimetersreligion, and demographics—GOGS President Dr. Roland Matthewsdilated, on the evening before I was toour common denominatorpresents Dr. John Inman, Jr. with theleave. A delivery that should only have is still our desire to improve2014 Distinguished Service Award at thetaken a few minutes became severaland provide the bestAnnual Meeting Awards Banquet on Saturday night.4one point, he indicated that if we trulybelieve in evidence-based medicine,then we need not perform pelvicexams and Pap smears on healthyasymptomatic females who present withno complaints. He ventured that thewellness goal for such a patient couldbe equitably achieved, if we “take herto the office, chat for 10 minutes, andsend her home.” I liked the sound ofthat, but I don’t think I am comfortableenough in my “evidence-based” skillsto adopt this philosophy. Later, I washere.) Uponreceipt of theDistinguishedServiceAward,Dr. Inmanrecantedstories aboutThe GOGS Board of Directors met onthe historyThursday morning before clinical sessions began.of medicinein the state of Georgia. He called hissuch a love-hate relationship. In truth,first and last patient by name. HeI love my attorney, but I’m not so sureknew their history and their family. Iabout the rest.sat in awe andMy wife slowed the vehicle as weadmiration of thisarrived back in Atlanta. There was angentleman! Heaccident at the I-75/675 junction andwas aging, butthe traffic was backed up for miles. Ihis mind was assighed. For the past three days it hadsharp as ever. Ibeen easy to forget such traffic existed!smiled to myself.As I sat there, going nowhere, I was stillI could scarcelyreveling in the fact that the 2014 Annualrecall the name of GOGS meeting was undoubtedly one ofthe patient whothe best meetings ever! (I have attendedhad kept me upquite a few over the years.) We hadall night threetruly enjoyed a fabulous meeting and andays ago.excellent time together as colleagues!I witnessedAnd, there’s no cause for worry if youthe “passing ofmissed it. We are doing it again nextthe gavel” fromyear, Thursday, August 27-Sunday,our distinguishedAugust 30, 2015, at Amelia Island,2013-2014Fla. Mark your calendars and plan toPresident, Rolandattend, because the best is yet to come.Dr. Kevin Gomez demonstrates ultrasound technologyMatthews, MD,Who knows? You could find yourselfon a live model in the Sim Lab.to our illustriousdriving home at this time next year,further impressed by Dr. Partridge,2014-2015 President, Anne Patterson,repeating the same phrase as me—“Oh,during his lecture on “OvercomingMD. Dr. Patterson solicited assistancewhat a meeting!”Social Determinants of Health,”from the “Presiparticularly, eliminating the disparity indential Secrethealthcare in The Mississippi Delta andService Men”The Alabama Black Belt.and press secIn the afternoons [following morningretary to thanklectures], we had free time, and mostour wonderfullypeople played golf. I have alwaysgood-humoredadmired those with skill and patienceDr. Matthewsenough to find pleasure and solace infor his accomhitting a ball into a faraway hole. As forplishments asme, I sat on the balcony of my roompresident. Andwith unknown spirits in my hand, andthen the musicwatched people ride the river. Eachbegan! Weevening we were gifted with moredanced, andwining and dining, until the ultimatethen dancedtreat of our last night the Saturdaysome more.night “Black Tie” event!On our finalThe Distinguished Service Award wasmorning, wepresented to Dr. John Inman, Jr. duringhad breakfastthe Awards Ceremony on Saturdaywith thenight. Dr. Inman practiced medicineattorneys. Ifor more than 65 years and pioneeredalways findOBGyn medicine in South Georgia,this gatheringduring the lean years of the practicefascinating.GA DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald (center)of obstetrics and gynecology. (HisDoctors andtalked with conference attendees after her presentation.biography is too extensive to discusslawyers share5
OBGyn NEWS, October 2014Annual Meeting HighlightsThe Faculty of the GA Residency Programsmet to discuss residency education projects.Dr. Cyril Spann talked with residentsat a luncheon on Friday.PAPARAZZI TIME6CHOA Strong4Life program asked for inputfrom physicians on an obesity project.Annual Meeting HighlightsRegional Perinatal Center Meeting attendeesparticipated in a breakout session.Dr. Victoria Green, Dr. Al Scott, Sabrina Scott,Dr. William Alexander, Dr. Desiree McCarthyKeith, Avarita Hanson, and Linda. Sermonssocialized at the Friday night cookout.OBGyn NEWS, October 2014Dr. John Jennings, President of ACOG,spoke at the Annual Meeting.PAPARAZZI TIME7
OBGyn NEWS, October 2014OBGyn NEWS, October 2014All Georgia physicians, laboratories,and other health care providers arerequired by law to report patientswith the following conditions. Bothlab-confirmed and clinical diagnosesare reportable within the time intervalspecified below.REPORT IMMEDIATELYNOTIFIABLE DISEASE /CONDITION REPORTINGReporting enables appropriate public health follow-up for your patients, helps identifyoutbreaks, and provides a better understanding of disease trends in Georgia. For thelatest information from the Department of Public Health, visit their web site at: www.health.state.ga.usREPORT WITHIN 7 DAYSTo Report ImmediatelyTo Report Within 7 DaysCall: District Health Office or1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)Report cases electronically through the State Electronic Notifiable Disease SurveillanceSystem at http://sendss.state.ga.us (SEE REPORTING FOOTNOTES BELOW.)any cluster of illnessesanimal bitesanthraxall acute arboviral infections:-Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC)-St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)-West Nile Virus (WNV)botulismbrucellosischoleradiphtheriaE. coli O157Haemophilus influenzae (invasive)*hantavirus pulmonary syndromehemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)hepatitis A (acute)measles (rubeola)meningitis (specify agent)meningococcal diseasenovel influenza A virus infectionspertussisplaguepoliomyelitisQ feverrabies (human & animal)severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)shiga toxin positive testsS. aureus with vancomycin MIC 4µg/mlsmallpoxsyphilis (congenital & adult)tuberculosislatent TB infection in children 5 years oldtularemiaviral hemorrhagic feversAIDS#aseptic meningitisblood lead level (all)campylobacteriosischancroidChlamydia trachomatis (genitalinfection)Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease(CJD), suspected cases,under age iasisgonorrheaHIV#hearing impairment†(permanent, under age 5)hepatitis B-acute hepatitis B-newly identified HBsAg carriers**-HBsAg pregnant womenhepatitis C virus infection(past or present)influenza-associated death(all sy or Hansen’s disease(Mycobacterium leprae)Lyme diseaselymphogranuloma venereummalariamaternal death##methicillin-resistant S. aureus(community-associated) mumpspsittacosisRocky Mountain spotted feverrubella (including congenital)salmonellosisshigellosisstreptococcal disease, Group A or B(invasive)*Streptococcus pneumoniae(invasive)*- report with antibioticresistance informationtetanustoxic shock syndrometoxoplasmosistyphoidVaricella (Chickenpox)Vibrio infectionsyersiniosis* Invasive isolated from blood, bone, CSF, joint, pericardial, peritoneal, or pleural fluid.** HBsAg hepatitis B surface antigen positive.*** L. monocytogenes isolated from blood, bone, CSF, joint, pericardial, peritoneal, or pleural fluid,or other normally sterile site; or from placenta or products of conception in conjunction withfetal death or illness. Infant mortality is reportable to Vital Records. Resulting in severe illness or deathREPORTING HIV/AIDS:# Report forms and reporting information for HIV/AIDS available by telephone (1-800-827-9769)OR at ormation.asp. For mailing HIV/AIDSreports, please use double envelopes marked “confidential”, addressed to Georgia Departmentof Public Health Epidemiology Section, P.O.Box 2107, Atlanta, GA 30301† Report forms and reporting information for hearing impairment available g.aspREPORT WITHIN 1 MONTHbirth defects (under age 6)maternal deaths (during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery)Report forms and reporting information for birth defects and maternal deaths available spREPORT WITHIN 6 MONTHSbenign brain and central nervous system tumorscancerPotential agent of bioterrorism.*8Invasive isolated from blood, bone, CSF, joint, pericardial, peritoneal, orpleural fluid.Report forms and reporting information for tumors and cancer found g.asp(Rev 07-14-11)2014-2015Flu Season UpdateFlu activity has been low acrossthe United States, but rates beginto increase in October and mostcommonly peaks between Januaryand March. The CDC recommendsan annual flu vaccine for everyone6 months of age and older, butfor more details on flu vaccinerecommendations, visit htm.How much flu vaccine will beavailable this season?Flu vaccine is produced by privatemanufacturers, so supply dependson manufacturers, but manufacturershave projected they will provide 151159 million doses of vaccine for theUS market.What flu viruses does thisseason’s vaccine protect against?Flu vaccines are designed to protectagainst flu viruses that experts predictwill be the most common during theupcoming season. Three kinds of fluviruses commonly circulate amongpeople today: Influenza A (H1N1)viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses,and influenza B viruses. Each year,one or two flu viruses of each kindare used to produce the seasonalinfluenza vaccine.All of the 2014-2015 influenzavaccine is made to protect against thefollowing three viruses: an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-likevirus a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-likevirus.Some of the 2014-2015 flu vaccinealso protects against an additional Bvirus (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus).Manufacturers estimate 78 milliondoses of the projected 151-159million doses will be quadrivalentflu vaccines this season. Moreinformation about influenza vaccinesis available at Preventing Seasonal FluWith Vaccination http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine /index.htm).Will this season’s vaccinebe a good match forcirculating viruses?The vaccine is made to protectagainst the flu viruses that researchindicates will likely be most commonduring the season. However, expertsmust pickwhich virusesto include inthe vaccinemany monthsin advance sovaccines maybe producedand deliveredon time. And fluviruses changeconstantly(called drift) –they can changefrom one season to the next or they caneven change within the course of oneflu season. Because of these factors,there is always the possibility of a lessthan optimal match between circulatingviruses and the viruses in the vaccine.Hepatitis B canbe transmittedfrom motherto child at birth.TestEVERYPregnantWoman,EVERYPregnancy forHepatitis B.Report HBsAg-positive results to theGeorgia Department of Public Healthwithin 7 days of lab confirmation.Report cases at 404-657-2588 or sendss.state.ga.us9
OBGyn NEWS, October 2014OBGyn NEWS, October 2014News from Around the Stateto sequestration. The State Employeebenefits program that is designed tosave the state between 200 million and 500 million has resulted in an additionalreduction in reimbursement of 600,000.Another Hospital ClosesLabor and Delivery UnitAfter 2 years of extensiveconsideration, Appling HealthCareSystem (AHCS) decided to no longerdeliver babies as of midnight, October10, 2014.“It was a very heartbreaking decisionto make. The Appling
- Amerigroup: www.amerigroup.com - Peach State: www.peachstate.com - Wellcare: www.wellcare.com Physicians' Alliance of America (PAA) has been serving practices for over 22 years. PAA sponsors the PAHPT as a major value for PAA members. Call 855-337-2478 Visit www.PAHPT.com PAHPT is the simple, quality solution built speci cally for the medical
