Special Alert: Health System Reform
From: Daniel J. Glunk, MD
President, Pennsylvania Medical Society
I doubt there is any one who cares more about health system reform than a physician. This is our life’s work and our calling. The current debate has served to focus us on who we are and what we are about.
It has never been so critical for our voice to be heard. The Pennsylvania Medical Society is speaking up for what is good for patients and fair for physicians. I hope that’s something on which all physicians can agree.
Get involved in the reform debate.
Physicians’ voices must be heard. |
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But when you get into the details of health system reform, physicians’ opinions vary widely. Some physicians want additional government sponsored health insurance options while others want to strengthen and reform the private market. One perspective sees government involvement as the next step toward socialism, but the other looks at government involvement as essential and overdue.
Responding to the AMA
At the State Society, the volume of the debate hit a high decibel level recently when the American Medical Association voiced its support for HR 3200. The loudest voices were those of outrage that the AMA would support such a piece of legislation, but there was also a quieter group of physicians who thought the AMA was on the right track.
On Friday, July 24, the State Society sent a letter to the AMA concerning its engagement on health system reform. You can read the entire letter at
www.pamedsoc.org/reformletter. We recognized the AMA for its “early participation in this critical debate” but we also urged them to continue refining their position and strategy, focusing on what is good for patient care and for physicians.
The State Society Debate
The State Society is taking an active role in this debate. On July 21 and 22, your Board of Trustees held a retreat to develop guiding principles by which to measure any reform proposal. The debate was passionate, emotional and even a little heated at times. We still have a lot of work to do but I can report this much:
The AMA’s four principles of pluralism, freedom of choice, freedom of practice, and universal access are essential to any reform effort. Find out more about the AMA’s positions at
www.ama-assn.org/go/reform.
Medical liability reform must be included in any discussions about health reform.
Creation of competitive markets—as well as a physician’s ability to compete in those markets—should result from health system reform.
All reforms must promote quality and safe, convenient and efficient care for patients.
This merits repeating: We will speak out for what is good for patients and fair for physicians. That is both our starting and our ending point in this debate.
Last Updated: 8/4/2009