Idaho Academy of PA'sUpdates

Dear Idaho PA Community,

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, we’re excited about the opportunities and advancements awaiting Idaho’s PA community. Your dedication to providing exceptional care inspires us to continue championing the vital role of Physician Assistants in healthcare.

We’re also thrilled to invite you to the upcoming IAPA CME Conference, happening this April. Mark your calendars for a dynamic event filled with learning, networking, and professional growth. CLICK HERE for more details—this is a conference you won’t want to miss!

Here’s to a year of success, collaboration, and impactful advocacy. Together, we’re making a difference!

Warm regards,
Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants Board of Directors

Biden signs funding bill extending telehealth flexibilities, but no relief for doctors — or PBM reform

By: Rebecca Pifer - Dec. 23, 2024
President Joe Biden signed a stripped down funding bill on Saturday, averting a government shutdown during the holiday season.

Congress agreed to a sweeping package earlier last week that included a number of important healthcare provisions, including an extension of telehealth flexibilities, relief from scheduled Medicare cuts for physicians and reform for controversial pharmacy benefit managers. (Article here )

AAPA Awarded Grant from Exact Sciences to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Dec. 9, 2024)

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) is proud to announce a new project, made possible through a grant from Exact Sciences, that aims to improve colorectal cancer screening rates.

Physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) are often one of the first healthcare providers a patient sees, and thus are uniquely positioned to discuss screenings early on with patients. (Article here )

Younger People and Long COVID: Underreported, Undertreated

By: Sara Novak - December 23, 2024

John Bolecek, 41, of Richmond, Virginia, was diagnosed with long COVID in May of 2022. While his acute infection was mild, once everyone else in his family had recovered, the heavy fatigue he experienced from the start has never lifted.

“When I wake up in the morning, I feel like I haven’t gone to sleep at all,” Bolecek said. “It’s this super fatigue that’s just never gone away.” (Article h ere)

New York Governor Signs Three Bills to Advance PA Practice, Streamline Healthcare Delivery

By AAPA - December 11, 2024

New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law three pieces of legislation that enhance the role of physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) throughout the state. These bills – A.8378-A/S.9038-A, A.8247-C/S.8470-A, A.8232-A/S.8561 – represent a critical step forward in maximizing the ability of PAs to contribute to high-quality, accessible care for all New Yorkers. (Article here)

AI adoption for medical imaging soars: Klas Research

ByEmily Olsen - Dec. 4, 2024;
Dive Brief:
The number of healthcare organizations using artificial intelligence in medical imaging has ballooned over the past six years, according to a report published last week by Klas Research.
(Article here)