Welcome To Osteopathic Family Medicine, LLC
FLU AND COVID-19 VACCINES ARE IN!
CALL OUR OFFICE TO SCHEDULE.
To better serve our current patients, we are not taking new patients.
SEE IMPORTANT INFLUENZA SEASON INFORMATION BELOW!
Call our office at 401-284-4555 for an appointment.
Our fax number is: 888-781-7202
Severe Flu Season: A Concerning Surge in Cases
National Impact
- Record High Illness Rates: The percentage of outpatient and emergency department visits for influenza-like illness has reached 7.8%, the highest recorded since the 1997–98 flu season.
- Widespread Illness and Mortality: So far, the flu has contributed to 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths in the U.S., including 86 children.
- CDC Classification: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated this as a high-severity flu season across all age groups.
- Emergency room visits due to influenza-like illness have peaked higher than the past seven flu seasons.
- Hospitalizations have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels from the 2019–2020 season.
- 13 influenza-associated deaths have been reported in Rhode Island so far this season.
- The number of patients hospitalized with influenza is more than double compared to last year.
Several factors likely contribute to the severity of this flu season:
- Flu A Dominance: The predominant circulating strain, Flu A, is known to cause more severe illness.
- Vaccine Effectiveness Challenges:
- Of the two main Flu A strains circulating (H1N1 and H3N2), H3N2 is more prone to antigenic changes, which can reduce vaccine effectiveness.
- Vaccine protection appears to be modest, based on effectiveness estimates from the Southern Hemisphere.
- Low Vaccination Rates: Rhode Island’s flu vaccination rate is currently 34%, leaving a significant portion of the population vulnerable.
There are effective ways to prevent flu transmission and reduce the severity of illness:
✅ Get vaccinated! The flu vaccine remains the best defense against severe illness. It’s not too late—flu will be circulating for weeks to come.
🏠 Stay home if you are sick! Avoid going to work or public places if you have flu symptoms to prevent spreading the virus.
🧼 Wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs.
😷 Avoid close contact with sick individuals. If necessary, wear a mask when around those who are ill at home or in the community.
Taking these precautions can help protect you, your family, and your community during this high-severity flu season. Stay informed and stay healthy!
Winter 2024/2025 Newsletter
Welcome to our Winter 2024/2025 Newsletter!
Warm Wishes and Winter Wellness
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we hope this season finds you and your family in good health. We have a few important updates we’d like to share with you to help keep your winter months as safe and stress-free as possible.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Are In Stock
Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations is one of the best ways to stay healthy this winter. We have flu and COVID-19 vaccines available in the office. You can schedule a quick nurse visit to receive your vaccine by calling our office at (401)284-4555. We encourage everyone, especially those at higher risk, to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated.
Results at Your Fingertips: Secure Messaging Options
We are pleased to announce that we’ve begun communicating lab and imaging results through secure text and email options. This allows for faster, more convenient access to your healthcare information. If you have recently had tests done, please keep an eye on your text messages and emails. In most cases a copy is also sent to your patient portal. If you do not receive your results within one week, please call our office to follow up.
Medication Refills: Start with Your Pharmacy
Running low on your medications? In most cases, you can request refills directly through your pharmacy—even if there are no refills listed on your bottle. Your pharmacy will contact us if a prescription renewal is needed. This helps streamline the process and ensures you receive your medication as promptly as possible. If your pharmacy indicates you need to call our office, we’re here to help.
Community Support and Resources
We know this season can bring additional challenges, and we’re committed to supporting our patients both medically and beyond. If you or someone you know is in need of electric, heating, or housing assistance during this time of year, please visit our Community Resource Page at:
https://www.osteopathicfamilymedicine.com/community-resources
You’ll find a list of local organizations and programs designed to provide help during difficult times, including energy support, housing assistance, and other essential services.
Staying Connected and Informed
We’re committed to providing you with the best care possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. As we work together toward a healthier winter, remember that simple preventive measures—like washing your hands frequently, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet—can go a long way in supporting your overall well-being.
Happy Holidays from Our Team
Our entire staff wishes you and your loved ones a safe, warm, and joyful holiday season. We’re grateful for your trust in us and look forward to supporting your health in the year ahead.
Warm regards, Dr. Way and the Osteopathic Family Medicine Team
About
Personalized, Quality, Primary Healthcare for your entire family
Founded by Dr. Aaron Way, an experienced osteopathic physician (DO), OFM has been serving the Southern Rhode Island community since 2008. At our practice, we prioritize treating the whole patient, embracing a comprehensive approach to healthcare. We invite you to explore our website for valuable information and encourage you to reach out to schedule an appointment to meet with our team.
To learn more about our providers, please visit the Providers link on our website. Additionally, as part of the largest independent physician organization in the state, we are proud to be affiliated with the Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation. For further details, we invite you to visit their website.
What sets DOs apart? Osteopathic physicians are fully licensed to prescribe medication and practice in all specialty areas, including surgery. They approach medicine with a focus on the whole person, emphasizing preventive healthcare. DOs undergo additional training in the musculoskeletal system, which comprises the interconnected network of nerves, muscles, and bones that make up a significant portion of the human body mass.
To find a DO near you, we recommend visiting http://www.osteopathic.org, where you can locate qualified practitioners in your area.
Meet our Providers
NCQA/PCMH Certification
“Recognition shows that Osteopathic Family Medicine, LLC has the tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.
About the NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) Patient-Centered Medical Home Program
- The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home program reflects the input of the American College of Physicians (ACP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and others.
- It was developed to assess whether clinician practices are functioning as medical homes and recognize them for these efforts.
- The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards emphasize the use of systematic, patient-centered, coordinated care that supports access, communication and patient involvement.
