Health care reform advice from America's doctors
(ARA) - As one year ends and another begins, all eyes remain on Congress and the two health bills that will shape the U.S. health system in 2010 and beyond. The American Medical Association has been a regular presence in the health reform debate and has outlined a set of guiding principles for health system reform that will benefit patients and physicians.
"Health care reform has been a major focal point for the AMA and Congress for most of this year, and as the year draws to a close we are closer than ever to achieving health care legislation that will benefit all Americans," says AMA President Dr. J. James Rohack. "We need reform that builds on what works in our system and fixes what doesn't, and we are committed to staying involved in the process to improve the final legislation for patients and physicians."
What should be included in health system reform?
* Expanded health insurance coverage for all Americans
Why this is important: The uninsured live sicker and die younger than those with health insurance. Fearing big medical bills, they often delay care so an illness that could have been easily treated early on becomes more difficult and costly to treat. Increasing health insurance coverage can lead to more preventive care, better disease management and healthier Americans.
* Insurance market reforms
Why this is important: In the last 10 years, family premiums for health insurance have increased 131 percent. Americans need more choices of affordable health insurance coverage that can't be lost because of job loss or denied based on pre-existing conditions.
* Protection of the patient-physician relationship
Why this is important: The patient-physician relationship is the cornerstone of quality health care. Reform efforts must assure that medical decisions and health care choices remain in the hands of patients and their physicians, and are not dictated by insurers or government bureaucrats.
* Investment in quality improvement efforts
Why this is important: Optimizing the safety and quality of health care for America's patients is an essential component to true health system reform. By making investments in quality improvement efforts that eliminate problems in the system and promote best practices in medicine, physicians can ensure patients are receiving the best care possible.
* Increased focus on prevention and wellness
Why this is important: Seven out of 10 Americans are living with a chronic condition and the cost of treating these conditions accounts for nearly 75 percent of our nation's overall health care spending. Getting regular, preventive care and living a healthier lifestyle greatly reduces the risk for chronic diseases and allows for conditions to be identified and treated early.
* Repeal of the broken Medicare physician payment formula
Why this is important: Each year this flawed payment formula threatens steep cuts to physicians for the care of seniors and military families. With the baby boomers aging into the Medicare program in just two years, a permanent solution is imperative to protect access to care for the millions who rely on Medicare and TRICARE now and those that will in the future.
* Medical liability reforms
Why this is important: Our country's broken medical liability system forces many physicians to order unnecessary tests, scans, consultations and even hospitalization to protect against malpractice suits. Known as defensive medicine, these practices cost our system an estimated $70 billion to $126 billion and drive a wedge between patients and physicians. Medical liability reforms can help curb health care costs and keep physicians practicing solid evidence-based medicine.
* Eliminate waste in the claims process
Why this is important: Administrative burdens weigh down physician offices, adding unnecessary costs and taking away time from patient care. The insurance claims process must be streamlined and standardized so physicians can spend their time doing what they do best - caring for patients.
"A new year can symbolize a new beginning, and in 2010 the AMA is looking forward to a new and improved health system that better serves patients and empowers physicians to deliver the highest quality care," says Dr. Rohack. To learn more about the American Medical Association and its efforts in support of health care reform, visit www.hsreform.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent