Public confidence, support growing for AMA positions

AMA Leader Commentary. By William G. Plested III, MD, Nov. 20, 2006.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from AMA President William G. Plested III, MD.

In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to meet not only with large numbers of physicians, but with journalists and local business leaders. In all these meetings, I've noticed a growing awareness of AMA's leadership role on health care issues and an appreciation for our position.

I have carried the AMA message of concern about the limited access to care our senior citizens face should Congress allow Medicare physician payments to be cut by 5% next year. News organizations listen and report sympathetically what we have to say. Many were unaware of the issue but, when told about it, share our concern.

And they do something about it, printing our side of the story and finding little to oppose us other than the inertia of Congress, the unwillingness of our elected officials to act.

The press and public are just as interested in other health care issues and anxious to learn our positions. In one interview, the editor wanted to know our ideas about attracting more medical students into primary care, and into serving rural and inner-city America.

And the press also wants to know about our ideas for helping 47 million Americans without health care insurance. When I point out that many uninsured actually can afford insurance and should be required to buy it, the editors agree. And they concur with the point of view that those who need help should get help for basic services, but that we need not tax people to pay for those who can afford to pay themselves.

Slowly but surely, we are closing the information gaps, alerting the nation to the impending shortages of physicians available to see new Medicare patients and rallying support for solutions to the problems of the uninsured.