AMA working for reform that benefits patients and physicians

The following is part of a series of original guest columns by the American Medical Association.

Physicians know first-hand the frustrations of caring for patients in our broken system and also the joys of patient care that get us out of bed before the sun rises. The AMA is committed to getting health reform this year – so that the joys can again outnumber the frustrations.

The status quo is unacceptable. Patients are just as frustrated as physicians. Those who have insurance often fight a multi-layered bureaucracy to get coverage for care they need, and 46 million Americans have no health insurance at all.

The AMA is committed to health reform this year so that the system works for patients and physicians. We can fix what’s broken and improve on what works in our health care system. We can expand coverage to all Americans through a uniquely American solution.

Comprehensive health system reform should expand coverage to all Americans through a choice of plans, curb insurance industry practices that frustrate patients and physicians, repeal the flawed Medicare physician payment formula and give relief from the broken medical liability system. It also should be done in a fiscally sustainable way, and we’ve shared with the President and Congress ways to increase the value our nation gets from patient care. For example, we can simplify the administrative end of health care, reduce unnecessary costs that don’t add value to patient care and enact medical liability reforms.

We supported the House bill knowing that there would be changes made and that we would continue to be involved in the process. Following the principles of pluralism, freedom of choice, freedom of practice and universal coverage, the bill expands coverage through a choice of plans, eliminates denials for pre-existing conditions and repeals the broken Medicare physician payment formula. Over the next five years, the formula projects cuts to physicians of about 40 percent, which will threaten seniors’ access to care.

This House bill is an important starting point. We need a bill to pass the House, or there is no health reform. We’re staying engaged to make the final bill better for patients and physicians. AMA is already on record in favor of two amendments that address medical liability reform and physician-owned hospitals.

There is no question there are details to work out, and we’ll stay engaged throughout the process to get the best bill we can so that it makes a positive difference for patients – and for the physicians who dedicate their lives caring for them.

J. James Rohack is President of the American Medical Association.