AMA ends the year on an upbeat, productive note

AMA Leader Commentary. By Duane M. Cady, MD, Jan. 2/9, 2006.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

SEE ARCHIVES

A message to all physicians from the chair of the AMA Board of Trustees, Duane M. Cady, MD.

• Katrina. Rita.
• Medicare physician payment.
• Patient safety.
• Disparities.
• Medical liability reform.

Let's look at these in a little more detail.

In this holiday season, I was reminded of what an unusual and unusually strong year 2005 has been for both the American Medical Association and the nation. The year is summarized in single words and phrases:

Physicians of America became heroes after hurricanes ravaged the Gulf Coast. Physicians responded to the multiple disasters by the thousands. More volunteered with the U.S. Health and Human Services Dept. Web site than could be placed.

The AMA Foundation launched a Health Care Recovery Fund to help physicians rebuild their practices in the wake of Katrina and Rita. In addition to $100,000 the AMA contributed, funds have flowed in from concerned individuals and groups, all motivated by one thought: How can I help?

I cannot recall a single event in my professional life that warmed my heart more than watching the outpouring of talent, time and money to help our fellow Americans in need.

Medicare's fatally flawed sustainable growth rate calculation has been a continuing focus of attention for years. In its most concerted effort yet, the AMA called on physicians and patients to warn America of the negative effects of payment cuts at the very time more and more Americans become seniors. The effort is not ended, but there is no doubt that the year 2005 saw dramatic evidence of AMA's concern on behalf of patients.

The AMA continues to believe that SGR is unsustainable. It has to be repealed before we can link payment with pay-for-performance plans. Any such plan, moreover, has to be aligned with the AMA's principles, which are: Ensuring quality of care; fostering the patient-physician relationship; offering voluntary physician participation; using accurate data and fair reporting; and providing fair and equitable program incentives.