Yesterday the AMA endorsed the House legislation that would in effect establish government medicine.
Why did they do it? They sold out for a few percentage points in the SGR.
Do you think a miniscule raise –that can be revoked at any time — is worth selling out for government control of medicine and your profession?
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK – post comments today!!!! Please type your comment in below under “Leave a Reply.”
We need you to send us your comments about the AMA action.
Media and other activists are clamoring for comments–
We need to gather as many of your statements as possible.
They will be posted on the web site, so we need you to sign your name, city and state, so we can confirm who sent it to us.
Also, WE WILL SEND COMMENTS TO THE APPROPRIATE MEMBER OF CONGRESS.
But if you prefer that we not make your name public, then please let us know.
It’s not time to jump ship from the AMA just yet.
The current health care system in the United States is broken and the dialog on how to improve it is important. AMA has been at the table and engaged in the dialog.
Physicians should stay united and involved in this process. Our voice and expectations for our patients and our battle against the corrupt and greedy insurance companies needs to be heard.
The AMA action is anti-doctor. Unfortunately, nothing I can do about it, as I dumped them several years ago, because of their increasingly statist politics.
All physicians who care for patients should drop out of the AMA immediately. The endorement by the AMA of the House Plan is disgraceful. The public option is nothing more than a backdoor way to socialized medicine, and therefore rationing.
The AMA action is anti-doctor. Unfortunately, nothing I can do about it, as I dumped them several years ago, because of their increasingly statist politics.
The AMA is a disgrace. Instead of being an advocate for individualism but focused on physician-patient issues, it has become an advocacy group for the government takeover of medicine. If this is not an example of the sanction of the victim (at least some of them are victims), I don’t know what is.
The proper response to this kind of action by the AMA is: DON’T TREAD ON ME!!
It’s time for physicians to speak out and to assert our individual rights to life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. If we do not do so now, when will we?
I propose a 28th Amendment to the US Constitution, to read as follows:
Congress shall make no law prohibiting an individual, or group of individuals in voluntary association, or private business, from contracting with any physician, group of physicians, or other provider of goods or services in the medical professions. The Congress is expressly prohibited, for any reason whatsoever, from funding or regulating any form of medical care, including any institutions for research or development of technology (or both) in or related to the practice of medicine.
Mark A. Hurt, MD
Creve Coeur, MO
—–
“It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
– Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775
I have NEVER been a member of the AMA. Why should I? They squalk about high cost of medical care, urging doctors to comply with cost cutting measures, yet their membership dues are exorbitant! What hypocrites. And I challenge anyone, anyone to name three things they have done to benefit doctors. They do not advocate for doctors, but rather roll over and endorse lunatic political dictates from Washington. The AMA can go to hell. I would urge any self respecting doctor to pull out. Don’t waste your money.
–
Virginia T. Stevens, M.D., F.A.A.C.
“When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” – Benjamin Franklin
Any organization that does not advocate for the rights of its members is worthless. When it actively works against its members it is an abomination. The AMA has for decades been a detriment to physicians and the medical profession in all its aspects. All physicians should resign from the AMA and do so immediately.
Just as the American Academy of Pediatrics sold out pediatricians in the early 90′s when they endorsed Hillarycare, the AMA follows in selling out all physicians by endorsing “Obamacare”. While purporting to act in the interests of all patients, the AMA has abrogated the sacred doctor-physician relationship in the name of “compassion” and empty promises.
Even for the leadership of the AMA that seems to disregard the wisdom of our founding fathers in a free market, it shouldn’t take a brain surgeon to realize that the “promises” of the current health care bill are as empty as the failed promises of the trillion dollar federal stimulus package. The only certainty is that our children and grandchildren will be left holding the bill for this grandiose venture into socialized medicine.
I don’t belong to the AMA, and this is proof of why. It is a disgrace that the AMA is supporting the government takeover of medicine. I hope other physicians will “dump” the AMA, in addition to writing letters to our “representatives” in Washington to oppose this horrible bill.
Obviously for possible future personal professional gain I was very glad to see Obama’s new SURGEON GENERAL. A minority Primary Care Physician with charater who’s practice is in rural Alabama. Just like yours truely. BUT then I noticed her strong association with the AMA and my hopes for CHANGE went down the drain.
Dr H
The American Mendicant Association, or whatever, has a track record of toadying up to government in exchange for handouts to its cronies that, in turn, are extorted from us as taxpayers and as honestly working physicians. AAPS has published many documented examples supporting this assertion. Consequences include increased government regulation. that would be bad enough if such regulation was the only consequence and we could all perceive it and react with anger. Not so simple.
It is easy, though destructive of personal integrity, to follow meekly regulations that approximate what one would do anyway, shrugging off the changes of actions as the price of simplicity and peace. As those of us who cooperate with popular sentiment and social pressures get used to making minor changes and trying to ignore the cognitive dissonance that results, we can become psychiatrically damaged. Alcoholism, dependence on other drugs, and suicide are more common among physicians than in the public generally despite above-average income; the psychological pressures from accepting such rules contribute to such damage.
When I tried to apply to medical school in the late 1970′s, I was told I would not qualify because I was not a conforming extrovert. More recently, I have been harassed by a medical board for no reason other than being unwilling to conform socially.
Additionally, please note the higher malpractice insurance rates for physicians who do EDTA chelation. Whatever your beliefs about chelation, it is a very low-risk procedure in terms of having patients sue. The insurance premiums should be lower; they are higher. This fact can be explained only by pressure to conform. Having government mandate conformity to a standard, any standard, seems to be what various leftists want. Dissent is, somehow, evil in their belief structure.
I have prescribed anastrozole for virility in an obese man. I have prescribed handicap-height toilets for chronic back-pain patients. For a bartender who said he smoked as a habit from boredom, I told him to watch the customers and write a book about how to meet potential romantic partners effectively. (The cost of that smoking cessation program is actually negative; he may make a profit from the book.) And where is the AMA decree that people with unstable heart conditions need prominent house numbers so that ambulance drivers can find them in a hurry? If you have practiced medicine for a while and do not simply follow protocols mindlessly, there are probably things you do also that are outside the standard guidelines.
Government-controlled medicine means no more independent research and no creativity in treating patients. It also means intense psychological pressure on those of us who want to use every means possible to improve the lives and health of our patients. We need social and psychological outliers, eccentrics, weirdos, in health care as elsewhere, to protect us from blind conformity and to provoke and maintain lively debate.
Remember that member of the National Socialist party who wanted government control of everything and, after being elected and trying to put his plans into action, had his nation destroyed? His name was Adolf Hitler. Here we go again….
This action by the leftist AMA doesn’t surprise me at all. They have a very long history of betrayal of free independent medicine. Like most leftist organizations, they now see that socialism is “inevitable” so they want to be included in the decision-making process. What they do not know is that they will be included only if they bow to the socialist planners and collectivist elite who are actually designing the final plans for a world government. Any doctor who remains a member of the AMA is either deluded, is a leftist themselves or is in it purely for the money and prestige. When will doctors ever learn?
I’d consider the AMA to be acting in good faith in its conduct only if it were to totally divest itself of its ownership of all Coding Publications and to cease all for-profit educational offerings that are of a non-clinical nature.
The point in time that was marked by the majority of the AMA’s revenue coming from sources other than membership dues is probably the same point at which the focus was no longer on serving the needs of its membership.
At this point, any medical society or institution who isn’t arguing first for the rights of the physician, is not truly concerned about the patient. If any further decline in the working conditions and state of mind of the physician population occurs, there will truly be insufficient numbers of us to care for all of the sick, and those that remain will have such a morose disposition about their careers, that compassionate care will be nostalgic memory only.
The AMA represents about 20% of US practicing physicians of which most practice in a Medical School or “employed” (Kaiser-Permanente-type) environment. They, long ago, were recognized by the majority of physians as not representing the “private practitioner”.
What each of us needs to do is notify our elected representatives stating that the AMA does not speak for us, does not represent us and that we are not members of that organization for …(whatever reason…)
It is time for each of us to stay in touch with those elected representatives, no matter what we think of them.
Sound arguments in non-confrontational terminology will get us a lot further than “name-calling”. We’ve been called to action. I suggest that each of us needs to “get with it”.
No thoughtful physician who is engaged in treating patients could in good conscience give money to the AMA. The organization is an absolute disgrace to the principles upon which our great nation was founded. In backing the current legislation, the AMA is now in support of programs that will destroy the livelihoods of its members, lower the quality of care available to our patients, and hand even more power over to the current government which is completely committed to turning our nation into a statist nightmare. I quit the AMA years ago. I advise my colleagues to do the same (while it is still possible to quit)!
William B. Rogers, M.D.
Tyler, TX
The AMA action is certainly not pro-physician; in fact, its quite myopic!
The long term negatives of government control over our decisions will be catastrophic. It also gives the impression of the AMA demonstrating a paucity of innovation in this debate. Not surprising! The question we all are facing is what kind of profession we are leaving to the next generation of physicians. Thank heavens I dumped the AMA 20 years ago.
This is another example why a MINORITY of physicians are members of the AMA. These pablum puking liberals are NOT representative of the mainstream physician community. They do not represent me, hence I am not a member of their left wing cabal.
Let us be clear about one thing: that the current show in Washington is not about fixing the broken healthcare system. That can be addressed for less than $10 trillion. If it were, wouldn’t we be talking about how to save money, not spend more of it? Wouldn’t we discuss the $200 billion a year spent on defensive medicine and malpractice premiums? Wouldn’t we talk about tort reform? No. This show is about central control and socialization. It is about a loss of our ability to practice medicine as we choose. When has the government ever fixed anything? When has it saved money? When has a program come in under budget? Physicians are foolish and naive to think that this reform is for the greater good. They are simply being lulled into complacencyuntil it is too late.
A few years ago the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed Hillary care, they invited Hillary Clinton to speak at their national convention, I quit the AAP. Why do I want to spend >$500 a year for someone to endorse socialism and liberalism. It is just like the teachers who belong to the NEA who don’t want to support their agenda, or like any hard working union member who doesn’t want to support the socialistic agenda of the unions. The Washington State Medical Association endorsed Hillary care also several years ago, that is when I quit them too. I used to belong to the AMA but now they are not speaking for me at all. The dentists and the chiropractors seem to have their act together more. And of course the lawyers would never promote nationalized legal care, is that not just as much a right as medical care? The AAPS and the Christian Medical and Dental Association are the last hope for doctors and patients in the country.
When I was in the Army I lived in West Germany and used to visit East Germany and saw very clearly what socialism does for prosperity and the human will. Mark my words, the United States, if it continues on this path will be less prosperous than it ever has been before. But I have hope, we as physicians and nurses and health care workers and as citizens, cannot sit on the sidelines and watch prosperity and the indomitable human spirit go away. Now more than ever do we need to voice our opinions and speak up.
May God bless America, may the health care system remain in the control of the health-care workers and not in the control of the US government. May the people wake up!
By its actions, the AMAS demonstrates its utter lack of understanding of issues regarding private medical care in the United States. I cannot but assume that the driving force for this letter was from individuals who are in salaried positions that obscure their awareness of fees generated (or costs incurred) by their patient care actions. Nothing in the House proposal would make that relationship (i.e. care rendered vs physician payment) more equitable, more free of political interference, or more likely to align patient incentives with good health in the long run.
I resigned from the AMA long ago. I would like to repudiate their stance in any forum possible, the more visible the better.
the AMA does not represent the practicing physician. i discontinued my membership years ago since it was clear that the AMA was lead by buracratic idealogues. its endorsement of Rangel’s bill is a dishonorable attempt to suggest widespread physician support, which at least in Texas is definitely not the case.
The AMA does not represent the views of physicians in the trenches. I have maintained my membership in the Texas Medical Association, because they have at least had the fortitude to sue managed care plans (and win) and to fight in the state legislature against the takeover of medical practice by nurses and chiropractors. But I have never joined AMA, as they are divorced from reality. The proposed government plan will not work, since it can not be funded, except by bankrupting our country (if that has not already been done). They also can not carry it out without our cooperation. I do not plan to cooperate. Lost in all this debate is the looming 21.5% cut in Medicare reimbursement and the current legion of bounty hunters (RAC agents) that have been loosed against honest physicians. If these two actions don’t cause all physicians to resign from government contracts, nothing ever will. I have maintained my non-participating Medicare contract only out of concern for my patients who rely on this for their care. But I see the day approaching when it will be time to opt out.
Dropped membership in AMA in mid-seventies. Need I say why? Feel they have failed to represent me — for decades!
Do not publish my name. Thanks.
Yes, drop the AMA. They dropped us as well as our patients concerns years ago already. They are probably surprised we are stupid enough to keep sending them money. They have picked their side already. Those who have hope in the sellouts thinking they will give us a place at the bargaining table are deluded. We need a new organization, like the American Association of Physicians and Surgeons who has both principles which they won’t compromise and the integrity to not sell out.
Having insurance is NOT the solution (it is a major part of the problem). The AMA has not represented private physicians for years. This is just another example.
We need to let everyone know that the AMA is not the voice of the Physician!! The only thing that they are good for is publishing a Journal that no one reads, selling us insurance and providing CPT coding books so that we can be further enslaved by greedy insurance companies who waste so much money on bonuses and administrative expenses, that we will eventually be bankrupted, financially and morally. We have counted on the AMA to “protect our backs” while we have provided the Best Health Care in the World and they have lost complete touch with their constituency and “sold us all down the river”!! We need to stand united against the Government takeover of our Sacred Profession for ourselves, for our children and for our patients. We are the only ones standing between our patients and the abyss of Government Run Medical Care. These are the same people who brought you the Post Office!! If you think that Health Care is costly now, just wait until it is “free”!! Just ask the people in Canada and the UK. We need to opt out of all managed care, Medicare and Medicaid contracts and take back our Profession! Tyrants always count on the silence of their Victims!! Let Us Be Heard!!
The AMA does not speak for me. I am not sure what physicians they do speak for. They sure jumped on this bill real fast. Must be some back room deals been made. Why not wait and see what amendments or change can be made? I will keep helping patients until Uncle Sam takes my License away because I will not participate in any Government games–Medicare, medicaid, “public plan”.
The American Medical Association has made very sad tactical and strategic errors in supporting HR3200, typically and misleadingly named “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.” I have been surprised at how many of my patients, without prompting, have spoken to me of their concern that the increasing involvement of the central government in medical financing will make them lose the insurance and type of medical care they now possess.
The officials leading any medical organization that publicly supports this bill will probably say, and perhaps even believe, that their premature endorsement will not prohibit them from reevaluating their support and level of engagement in the legislative process later, as the bill goes through additional changes. They are mistaken, in my opinion, for they are selling out physicians’ and patients’ freedom, for illusory or temporary financial gain.
We are heading into a permanent, tragic change in the relationship between American citizens and their government.
Sam N. Key, III, M.D.
Austin, Texas
Of course we should all dump it! I did it a while back. I am a neurologist in private practice and for years, I have felt that the AMA doesn’t have my interests at heart and certainly doesn’t represent me.
It’s disgusting the way they accepted this bill. DId anyone in the AMA board of advisers or whatever AMA political group in house sat down to read the 1000 pages plus of the Obama health plan?
Maria Palmer
The premise of the AMA is wrong and comes from fantasyland. The government can never do anything with any degree of quality and it never does anything with affordability. Reliance on the state is a doomed enterprise. History has proved it time and time again. It has been well said that those that do not understand history are doomed to repeat it. I say those that think that they are smarter than history are just plain doomed.
Dump the AMA, they are doomed.
Most doctors oppose this socialist bill that will NOT improve healthcare quality or access. Now we see that the AMA endorsement came from Dr. Mays who is a big democratic donor:
MAVES, MICHAEL
WASHINGTON,DC 20036 CHPA 4/27/00 $1,000 Clinton, Hillary Rodham (D)
MAVES, MICHAEL
WASHINGTON,DC 20036 CONSUMER HEALTH PRODUCTS ASSN 6/28/01 $500 Johnson, Tim (D)
MAVES, MICHAEL
WASHINGTON,DC 20036 CONSUMER HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS ASSN 12/28/99 $500 Durbin, Dick (D)
MAVES, MICHAEL D
ALEXANDRIA,VA 22314 AAO-HNS 7/31/98 $2,000 Leadership 98
MAVES, MICHAEL D
WILMETTE,IL 60091 3/14/08 $1,000 Obama, Barack (D)
MAVES, MICHAEL D
WASHINGTON,DC 20036 CHPA 11/6/00 $500 Harkin, Tom (D)
MAVES, MICHAEL D
WASHINGTON,DC 20036 CONSUMER HEALTH CARE PROD 5/10/00 $500 Robb, Charles S (D)
Gee…I wonder what the Obama administration has promised him. I can tell you that the doctors are furious. Anyone who thinks that you can lower costs, improve access and enhance quality while adding 50 million more uninsured patients…..is smoking some bad weed.
Dr Oscar Alonso— “BRAVO!!!!!!”
Whores. For a few bucks they sold out 350,000,000 soles and those of us who actually practice medicine. Rural U.S.A. has insufficient practicing Doctors, well guess whats comming! Forget innovative cutting edge medicine. We all know what government healthcare looks like! Hello V.A. hospitals! Hello military medical protocols! Hello D.M.S.(thats Department of Medical Services) Take a number and wate!
I do understand the politicians desire for Power and Control but the A.M.A.’s support for Obamacare is unacceptable.
Healthcare financing for All is as simple as Tax deductions at medicaid or medicare rates for services rendered to the uninsured. Problem solved. No Government involvment and no uncovered soles.
As for the A.M.A., I’M OUT!!!
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I agree with many of the commenters — that the AMA is a disgrace (for endorsing the advent of socialized medicine), and should be dumped by Physicians. They have betrayed our profession.
I was dismayed and unbelieving when I heard this report. This is a betrayal of practicing physicians and their patients. Socialized medicine is not a solution to anything. Write your congressman now. No physician that I know supports this.
By naively selling out to politicians, the AMA betrays core medical principles such as the Hippocratic covenant and patient centered medicine. Our Swiss Federation of Doctors does not fare better – by sitting around negotiation tables with savy politicians & cunning bureaucrats for too long, physician representatives end up promoting the views of politicians rather than those of practitioners & patients.
My husband is a sole practitioner spine surgeon in California, he dropped his affiliation with the AMA years ago.
They do not represent what is best for physicians and appear to be a self serving organization like the unions are.
I dread and fear the changes are that may be wrought be this administration.
I am not a physician. I am an irate consumer who wants to keep my insurance plan and my current doctors.
Does AAPS have the ability to launch an anti-AMA endorsement campaign?
The left has taught us to fight fire with fire. We must be as loud and vocal as they are.
Everything has been written in these responses about why I have long ago dropped my membership in the AMA. I am simply writing to be included in the numbers who resent the AMA and their actions against physicians.
I am a fairly new physician-out of residency 6 years. I have never joined the AMA because I suspected that they were not on my side. Now I know that I was right. I feel sold out and am regretting ever having gone into medicine in the first place. I have written my congressman and both senators. They are all Republicans and are against this atrocious bill anyway so I don’t know if that will even make a difference. I feel powerless and feel like no one is on our side.
I do not understand the AMA’s position on govt public health care option. I’m suprised & dismayed. My skeptical & suspicious mind wonders what prompted such a position.
No physician that I know personally supports the public health care option, and with good reason. Health care in the USA will decline.
Write your Congressman/woman ?? Are you kidding me ?? They’re in bed with each other and have been forever. This is about income redistribution, the deprivation of individual freedoms, and the subjugation of Constitutionally guaranteed rights. It is NOT just about the effect and affectations on physicians; though I admit we are battered and set up to be reviled more than others. It is happening to all of Americans. They are giving the country away to create a small politburo and a huge working glass who are reliant upon and beholding to a massive government mismanaged by that same small politburo.
( SEE MILLION MED MARCH ON Sermo)
I still subscribe to JAMA to be steadily reminded of how bad things are! They increasingly put forth a generic spirituality with a facade of compassion by an “elite” that views all of mankind as abused victims. Our problem is theological and it can take us nowhere but down.
I am a med student currently in the AMA, but safter seeing their endorsement for radical change, I WILL BE DUMPING THEM!! I had joined as a first year med student without knowing their support for leftist politics. This makes me think we need more AAPS reps at med student orientation activities!
It is time to dump the AMA as representatives of physicians. I am not a member as I am aware of their socialist tendencies. The AMA has historically been against freedom and the free market and in part are responsible for over regulation and cost inflation of medical care in this country. The solution for bringing costs down is deregulation of all levels of medicine including doctors, pharmaceuticals, insurance companies, and hospitals; and allowing free market forces back in the system.
RE: TED SWITZER MD, the first one to blog & the only blog favoring AMA:
Switzer, Ted
SAN ANTONIO, TX
78248 Self employed/Physician $600 10/07/2008 G OBAMA FOR AMERICA -Democrat
Switzer, Ted MD
SAN ANTONIO, TX
78248 Self employed/physician $250 02/16/2008 P HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT – Democrat
Switzer, Ted W Dr.
SAN ANTONIO, TX
78248 Ted W Switzer, MD, FACEP/Emergency $1,000 10/10/2007 P NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICINE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Switzer, Ted
SAN ANTONIO, TX
78248 SELF/doctor $500 12/03/2006 CIRO RODRIGUEZ FOR CONGRESS – Democrat
I was stunned by the AMA’s about face on the health care bill and immediately called to cancel my membership.
I have no idea how many physicians quit the AMA because of this betrayal and we’ll probably never know.
I can only assume pressure was put on the AMA behind the scenes to get on board with this disasterous program, or else.
Everyone should dump their AMA membership after last week’s disgraceful performance. Dr. Michael Maves letter to Charley Rangel actually made me physically ill. The AMA is a pro-left, pro-socialized medicine organization, therefore it is totally worthless. This is the AAPS’ big chance! Jazz up the website, get some PR folks and start the big membership drive. Long live AAPS!
AMA has mastered the tricky Reverse Kerry Maneuver. They opposed Obamacare before they endorsed Obamacare. i’m not leaving the AMA – the AMA has left me.
Vote Out these clowns in 2010!!!! Become more active at your office , tea parties, etc. We can no longer sit on the sidelines.
Dear AMA Leadership:
With your endorsement and letter of “appreciation” for HR 3200, you have finally removed any remaining doubt as to your irrelevance and have once again demonstrated incompetence in representing the interests of the nation’s physicians. If my professional concerns were a patient and you were the attending physician, I would bring a claim of malpractice to your doorstep.
Fortunately, I recognized the AMA’s lack of committment to it’s members in the early 1990′s, when they took a default position on a troubling issue my specialty was having with a group of allied health professionals. Rather than support and promote their fellow physicians, they adopted a “neutral” stance, claiming this particular matter was a “turf war” and they would NOT get involved. Additionally, the AMA is content with some of their membership being reimbursed at rates in the 30% range of private payers. What I find comical is how you self-congratulate in the eleventh hour, every December, when you miraculously fend off another yearly 5-10% reduction in physician reimbursement from Medicare. Your euphoric and delusional email is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt at deceiving physicians into believing that they actually derive a benefit from membership. Ironically, this letter typically arrives the same time you are soliciting fees for membership.
Everyday, patients, friends and family ask me, “where are the doctors on this issue?”. “Is the AMA really on board with this thing?”. Patients and many “practicing” physicians watched in dismay as the President received warm applause and repeated standing ovations when he addressed the AMA last month. How could your delegates applaud and endorse a President who comes to “our house” and boldly states that WE need to forfeit more of our autonomy and income, (as though we haven’t done enough of that already?), while he flatly rejects any notion of tort reform? I’m baffled as to how any responsible and respected professional advocacy organization would even consider making concessions that will lead to the “socialization” of our profession, without first demanding “national tort reform”. This issue alone should have been a nonstarter for the AMA. What would be the response to this over confident, arrogant Administration and Congress by the American Bar Association, Commercial Airline Pilots Association or Teacher’s Union, in a similar situation? We all know the answer to this question.
I fully comprehend the tactic of self-control, political correctness, understanding the concerns of the opposition and other political “maneuvering”, but your current position is one of weakness, apathy and defeat. Furthermore, the AMA’s endorsement of this legislation, will forever undermine the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship and patients’ freedom of choice. You have in effect, “sold out” our patients and the public as well.
As a practicing physician, I certainly subscribe to the need for meaningful healthcare reform, however, the AMA and physicians in general, need to lead the effort, not be spineless, ignored puppets manipulated by bureaucrats and the White House. We have stood idly by, for too long, as our profession has been eroded and devalued by career politicians, insurance executives, medical consultants, attorneys and lobbyists, while our “leadership”, has largely been “asleep at the wheel”. Yes, the AMA and it’s associate specialty societies have done admirable work to promote safety and improvement in patient care, but have NOT adequately advocated for physicians. I regret having to write these sentiments, however, the AMA is an embarassment to this most noble of professions.
I sincerely hope you will consider these remarks as you proceed with this “illusion” of a healthcare reform debate. Despite the political rhetoric and misinformation propagated by politicians and a complicit national media, our existing healthcare system remains the most advanced and compassionate in the world. This is the time to be bold, not timid. It is not too late to speak up for patients and the physicians of this country.
Dr. Tod Rubin
Atlanta, GA
http://www.docs4patientcare.org
I am unhappy with the AMA’s endorsement of Obama-Care. I personally never joined their organization since I felt that they were disconnected with medicine. Further, I know of partners in my own group who have subsequently dropped the AMA for their recent stance. As others have stated, it is for self-serving reasons that they have taken their position. They got a little improvement in the SGR for their endorsement. Further, they are given the right to publish all the CPT codes.
Also, the ACS (American College of Surgeons) has taken up the AMA’s stance on Obama Care. Their endorsement was in exchange for a four year reduction in the SGR. However, after the fourth year there is a cap. I cannot believe such short sighted logic. For four years we will get a little extra then be thrown to the dogs?
A few of my partners have started a site to talk about health related issues. I encourage everybody to check it out. The address is listed below.
http://www.takebackmedicine.org/
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I quit the AMA 20 years ago when they endorsed “gun control” despite the clearly dangerous and counterproductive results. Now they are supporting socialized health care, despite the clearly dangerous and counterproductive results.
Upon graduation from Medical School, I’ll admit I thought reciting the Hippocratic Oath was sort of cute and antiquated, but didn’t think much about it. Now 25 years later, I realize many of my classmates didn’t take it seriously at all – they are devoted to themselves, their own financial gain, and their own egos; they work for insurance companies rather than for patients.
Health care legislation will be revised this week to reflect CUTS to mediaid and medicare so that the admin can justify the tremendous expense of Obama Care. Let’s see how much the AMA likes health care when the medicaid/medicare cuts are reflected in the revised legislation.
The AMA is nothing more and nothing less than any other self-serving corrupt union who’s leaders willingly sell the interests of all others down the river for personal gain.
I increasingly feel the same way about the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Immorality has become the new morality.
Sick!
This Morning I withdrew my AMA membership.The Texas doctors say well the AMA is getting more like the TMA-I would say no! Dr Jim Rohack surprisingly has helped sell us down the socialist river. the line in the sand is the doctors are not tolerating socialized health care period -our guys(generic) will not cross this line. I recall in 1965 the AMA sold out only to significantly lose the struggle with now Medicare rates dropping-dropping. Doctors do not learn from history.Doctors think the politicians will give them a deal. say good-bye to the private practice of medicine within 6 years.
As a senior citizen, I assume that Obama and Bieden would prefer that “I just die”. Well, here is news – I will someday and I know where I am going! Do they know where they are going? Don’t jeopardize our freedom of choice on medical care and physicians. READ WHAT YOU SIGN. I was told that in high school. DON’T SIGN ANYTHING YOU HAVEN’T READ – INCLUDING THE SMALL PRINT. DON’T DO THIS TO MY GRAND CHILDREN AND MY GREAT GRANDCHILDREN. YOU ARE OVERPAID AND UNDER BRAINED!!!!!
I am a member of both the AMA as well as AAPS. After reading Dr. Maves sycophantic letter to the House Ways and Means Chairman Mr Rangel; I feel compelled to give up one of my memberships. If I call in and quit the AMA, I will quietly be taken off their rolls. If there was a more public way of creating a buzz while quitting the AMA, my resignation may actually count for something.
I was thinking of a “dump the ama” “bomb”; similar to Ron Pauls Money bombs.
i just resigned from the AMA (as if they care!) and joined the AAPS. The comments above say it all better than i can, but i do want to add my agreement here.
The last real leader of the AMA was it’s late exec vice president Dr. Sammons. He had a ‘take no prisoners’ approach.
The current leadership, as ‘the party’ would say, are just ‘useful idiots’.
Write an opinion piece for your local paper. The AMA can’t control everything, if you don’t let it.
As a person who was just forced to enroll in Medicare, I can tell the AMA I am frightened to death! One provision is that “seniors” must submit to a “consultation” every 5 years to “enlighten” us on alternatives to traditional health care. Please, folks, if you haven’t seen “Soylent Green”, rent the movie to see what “health alternatives” for the aged can become…in short, either geriatric care will be rationed, or euthanasia will be forced on those who are costing the system too much. Remember, “First do no harm” and that we have a God-given right to “LIFE”, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. All of these are quite contrary to the current Administration and Legislature. As a practicing Roman Catholic, I am appalled that good Christians would vote for anyone who voted for late-term or infanticide. The Roman Empire practiced Infanticide. Will America stoop so low as to murder its aged and recently born?
I just canceled my AMA membership. I have only been out of residency for a year and it is frightening where this country is going with health care. I fear for physicians, including myself, and for patients. It makes my skin crawl to think that the Federal govt, who gave us such gems as the post office, the DMV, and the IRS, will be running health care. I would encourage everyone to cancel their memberships and ask for a refund on dues. Apparently money and political clout are the only things that matter to that organization.
I am unhappy with the AMA’s endorsement of Obama-Care. I think it is ridiculous.
I haven’t been aan AMA member for over 10 years. As I informed them, they long ago gave up representing physicians or patients.
The AMA is not my voice and cannot speak for me. I am outraged that the AMA supports the current legislation. Patient care first not business.
I am not a doctor or even in the health industry. however, i am very worried about my care, family members if this obama care gets thru. i hope doctors will dump the ama. i do not want a government agency dictating my health care. i work for the government, believe me you do not want them taking care of your health care. low bid is always best to them and always comes back to bite someone.
You should be ashamed of yorselves- greedy…
I am extremely unhappy with AMA’s support of present Health Care Reform legislation. I do not believe the AMA truly represents the physicians who actually take care of the patients. Just like my partners, we have never joined the AMA because we did not think they were working in our best interests, and this major misstep only further strengthens our suspicions.
The AMA has obviously missed the most important items that would truly cause health care reform.
The mood in our practice is somber, almost depressing. We feel as if the floorboards had been pulled out from under us, with no bottom in sight.
Minter got it wrong! HB 3200 isn’t nobama’s waterloo, it’s the AMA’s! Didn’t the AMA leadership ever hear the quip “I’m from the government and I’m here to help!”. Evidently not. They were busy reading ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
Face it–the AMA represents less than 15% of US physicians, so it is clear that it is only adoption of a radical socialist agenda that could give the AMA some semblance of relevance. But one problem–the American public doesn’t hold it in much greater esteem than most US physicians have for some time!
The AMA organization is a useless, powerless, corrupt gaggle of “board members” struggling for survival. The next step for its gutless leaders will be sucking off the government teat as a reward for efforts in destroying medicine as we know it.
So I quit today. When I demanded my refund for dues, I got a lame answer which was essentially “what if everyone wanted their dues back?” Apparently, there has been a flood of such requests.
In the purest sense, AMA leaders willingly sold the interests of its membership down the river for personal gain and perks. Just take Mr Rohack hobnobbing with nobama in plain view of colleagues with far more true common sense and reason. Simply a “go along to get along” twit let’s just wait and see what rewards await Rohack in the current administration for kissing the rear end of nobama–in plain view of the public. I believe this was public indecency under any state law!
Anybody, repeat ANYBODY who negotiates with the likes of Pelosi or nobama deserves nothing in the way of support.
More unbelieveably, the ACS (American College of Surgeons) has also taken up the AMA’s outrageous stance in support of nobama care. Their endorsement was in exchange for a four year reduction in the SGR.
Just what are these folks at acs and ama smoking?! “Medical marijuana”, I would suspect.
Such actions are to be expected from naive, “silver spoon”, “lack of street sense” Utopians which now make up most of the very fragmented AMA, particularly its “LEADERSHIP” (if that’s what you want to call it!). These guys actually (like obama and his notions) think you can “negotiate” with (government) thugs. Yes, and the cow jumped over the moon!
With the AMA endorsement and letter of “appreciation” for HR 3200, I have no doubt that AMA membership will plummit and the organization eventually disappear. Physicians will seek true leadership organizations who wont sell out to their politicians.
For meaningful reform of health care in this country there are fundamental changes necessary that don’t have a thing to do with government intervention:
1. Physicians must unionize–and strike if necessary.
2. Tort reform and liability limits must be instituted immediately. Oh yeah–nobama’s weak argument that he wouldn’t want to take away the rights of a patient to be compensated when “injured” is just pandering to plaintiff’s attorneys whose outrageous contingencies encourage these steep awards.
The only way to reform is to take a firm stance and forget ‘negotiation’ and “cow towing” to government bullying.
Please withold name
I found this website while looking for a new GP for myself. My current GP is a nice guy, but a supporter of the government plan and I think, a member of the AMA. I will not choose a new doctor who supports this socialized healthcare….it’s not the job of the government. We need brave new leaders who are conservative minded and students of the constitution….let’s hope they come around soon.
I am very proud to say that I have never been a member of the AMA. They have sold out not only physicians but all of our patients. Their endorsement of government run health care is an embarrasement and we can only hope that they become more irrelevant than they already are.
The AMA is a bunch of political hacks kissing ass to the President and his misguided group of Washington bureaucrats inside the loop. I trained in DC for residency and the government is out of touch with reality and that is why people in Congress get caught up in the glitz and glitter when they get there. I never joined the AMA because other practicing physicians told me not to do it while I was a student in med school. Organized medicine is in chaos and letting insurance companies dictate contracts and services and has done so for 20 years. This is what we get for being complacent…the ultimate insult a national healthcare. You will go to a public clinic for services and have your medical history on a lifeless computer in Washington, DC and have to speak to an agent of the government for the right to treat a hangnail. Doctors will have to work with this plan to get a patient load and will be dictated to by some uneducated 18 y/o government employee who will tell you where to sit and for how long and what you can and cannot do for a patient in the office. Then you will get pennies for your services. Its the VA in disguise.
I am dropping the AMA over this latest betrayal of the physicians of this country. I sent an email to the President of the AMA and got an email back from Rebecca Patchin who is the Chair of the Board of Trustees who tried to say “be patient” and wait to see what we get out of the various bills.” I am fed up with the AMA in that I feel as though they rolled over for the Obama Administration at the expense of their credibility and sold out we physicians who are strained at the current level of governmental interference in our daily practices. We need to resist this attempt to socialize our health care system!
I dumped the AMA years ago when it became obvious they did nothing for me or my patients! But even though I resigned and did not pay my dues —I was amazed the AMA did not drop me. They kept me on the membership roll for YEARS (>6-7 years). They continued to send the AMA News to me the entire time and stopped billing me for dues. Conclusion: They didn’t want it known their membership was falling? I heard on Fox News yesterday that the AMA membership is down to 17% of practicing doctors and I’m sure they will be getting a slew of new resignations secondary to their latest stunt. They appear to be attempting to back-track a bit the last several days. I didn’t know the AMA was making 70 million/year from their CPT scam.
William D. Littlejohn, MD
Fort Worth, Texas
Yes, I am a PA, have been for about 30 years. I am in a solo (me) family practice clinic in rural NC. My re-imbursements here are terrible. 70% medicare/medicaid, the rest split between comercial insurance and cash payers. I receive about the same salary as I did when I retired from the Army in 1987. I have been a member of the PA organization since we received the news on 4 or 5 pages stapled together. It is much better now, multiple journals, letters, political statements etc. I am no longer a member. It made decisions for the members without members imput. It became a political organization that wanted to control the future their way. Sound familiar? The AMA has been doing the same, but it seems that every physician waited for the other physician to do something about it. I hope you have not waited too long. They should be accountable to you, not for you. Personally, I have grown to see them as an over grown book store from where we could find the changes every year to the various numbers that have replaced names…more progress I suppose. thanks for your valuable and friend, it is valuable time..and it is also YOUR time. Last item, directed to Christians, please pray. Speak out for the great honor that God has given you, to care for his children. The AMA does not own nor control you it is up to you to protect your patients, cover them all with blanket of prayer. Speak to your friends that do not know the Lord, invite them to pray. Adios
Dump the traitors. I can’t believe they are going against their own to side with Obama. The AMA knows what a travesty this bill is and how much the American people are going to suffer because of it.
The AMA sold us down the river for a pitiful SGR reform. The truth is it was not even a legitimate bargaining chip in the big game. There is no way Congress was going to allow that 21% cut, they know we will mostly all walk away. Since 1997, our proxies have been at the negotiating table arguing to hold our payments the same, while cost of living, overhead and inflation have continued to eat away at our livelihood. What kind of negotiating is that? The Academies and the AMA have failed us miserably. Our societies need to learn how to play hardball and walk away from the table. This is not selfishly motivated. Will we still remember how to practice good medicine when we have been beaten into the government’s scapegoats for the further rationing of healthcare? Yes, it is rationing of healthcare to spend five or less minutes with your patient. Sure you can recognize the top three diagnoses for a given presentation in five minutes and probably even treat them. But what about the rarer causes, that require the open ended questions and the thorough specific physical exam and the development of an exhaustive differential to diagnose. Who is going to pick up on those patients? Shame, shame on the AMA they have sold us out. Stop sending them the fruits of your labors.
I saw the socialistic leanings of the AMA back in the mid 90′s.
At that time I spoke with my feet and walked away (hence how I came
to join AAPS-an organization with its members interests placed as priority)
I would encourage everyone who hasn’t to join me and quit the AMA. The only way we are going to stop this group is not to pay the dues.
I am currently considering removing myself from ACS as they support this thing also, and for the same reason. SGR given today and taken tomorrow, open your eyes people.
The AMA does NOT represent physicians. It is to the great shame of the medical community that this group of MUD-PHUDS, Retirees, and Academics have convinced the public that they represent actual doctors.
CPT codes (the Profit Leader for AMA) destroy the profession. They give a 7th-grade-educated clerk the power to overrule the medical decisions of a doctor with 25 years of schooling.
Doctors must fight to distance themselves from this rogue, parasitic organization. If you are an AMA member, QUIT TODAY!
If you wish to defend your profession, join AAPS! Only an organization with a greater number of physician members can break AMA’s stranglehold.
I am a nurse and have been one for twenty some years. I have read many books and articles from this site. I just don’t get it. Dr. Annis told you years ago that this was the wrong path to go down. I have watched this system deteriorate for years. I have watched doctors sit on the sidelines and do nothing. I really feel that the health care system is the last bastion of freedom. We are it. When Obama takes us down, it is over. I have been to many European countries as well as South American countries and their health care is, and I say this nicely, terrible. Are we willing to let us go down the same road? Where are the doctors speaking up against this terrible plan and where are the doctors exposing the insurance companies for their fraudulent behavior and raping of the public? Blue Cross and Blue Shield are the biggest offenders. Dr. Annis, your AMA president, fought the fight, boldly and courageously. Where are you? There is so much data out there to prove your points, to show you are right, to prove to the public that we are going down the wrong road, yet I hear nothing. No outcry. No opposition. You are slowly losing your status, your income, your presence yet you do nothing. I find the same weakness in nursing. Yet you are not employed….you are not controlled. Yet you do nothing. It is simple. Expose the insurance companies for what they are and medicare for the fraud that it is. Call Michael Moore. Pool your money, your resources, because, if you don’t soon you won’t have any income to worry about. And I do believe if you would make a stand, nursing would make it with you. We get it. We are behind you. We get you. We want you to succeed. We believe in you and we will follow your lead. We know you want the best for your patients. So do we. Let’s actually be a team on this one. Who cares about turn over time or first case starts when our livelihood is on the line? We are mighty, we are a force to be reckoned with. Let’s do the right thing. Let’s fight this together. Let’s not make 3 dollars an hour as an MD and 1 dollar an hour as nurses. Let’s break the mold. Let’s be the guiding light for the rest of the world. Let’s do something different from everyone else. The right thing…….it isn’t that hard.
Health care costs aren’t going up. In fact, they are going down. Insurance pays us the same no matter what. How can costs be going up? First fallacy. Expose it. Let’s get rid of the lawyers and lawsuits that sue us for not following standards. We take care of human beings not cars or cell phones or even cigarettes. Let’s get rid of ISMIE (that’s Illinois malpractice insurance) who never fights for a case but settles them all to your demise and to your inflated costs. Lets tell the public about claims that are denied on a Friday because BC/BS throws them in the garbage and lets people die over the weekend. Let’s tell people how health care really is. It really is up to you. You are independent and collectively, you have a very mean right cut…or for you that don’t know boxing, you have the power to change things instantly. What happened to you guys? Did you forget that? I’m waiting in the wings, cause when you start, I will rally the troops behind you. But until then, nurses wait for you to lead the way. Don’t let us down.
Julie
Why don’t you all run for AMA positions and take back control? Resigning means nothing. Take it back! Voicing your opinion on here means nothing, do something! No unions or strikes….people will never understand that and the media will portray you as greedy scum. Go in there and take control. What are you afraid of?
I just resigned from the AMA. I will contact as many colleagues as I can and urge them to do the same. I am truly appalled by the AMA support of this piece of legislation.
I am a Registered Nurse, Masters in Nursing Administration/minor in Health Care Administration (Univ of WA) Although I’ve not been actively employed in the healthcare industry since retirement from the Army Nurse Corps, I remain passionate about the blessings of the quality of care we here in the US have come to take for granted. Having received most of my health care from government-run systems, i.e. military or VA, I have some knowledge and personal experience about what happens when demand exceeds supply. I’ve recently also had the privilege of receiving surgical orthopedic care from a regional “civilian” medical group and, given the choice, I would go back to the private sector again.
I have been very alarmed about the potential of government takeover of our healthcare system. After digesting the implications for EMR and HIT, (“incentivizing” MDs/organizations to adopt EMRs, tying reimbursement, etc.) outlined as part of the Stimulus bill, I started back in February trying to organize public informational forums where the community could come and get straight answers about health care reform. No one seemed to care. It was not in the public eye then like it is now.
But even now, with the date of the forum scheduled, I am having trouble finding physicians to come and speak out about the dangers of this health care reform, what it will do to the doctor-patient relationship, to physician autonomy, reimbursement, incentives for a career in medicine, quality, timely access–there are so many implications, not the least of which is freedom itself. I was beginning to think either the doctors/healthcare networks have been “bought off” or somehow muzzled by whatever practice networks they are affiliated with. I stumbled across this website in trying to find out WHY THE AMA would endorse such reform.
I am so GRATEFUL to see you all speaking out. But you must speak where your communities can hear directly from you, you who provide the care and services. And call/write your elected representatives–in some cases that doesn’t do much good–but if enough calls keep coming at them, perhaps they’ll at least slow down and give the rest of us time to reach the public.
I am looking for physicians, especially primary care (I know, it’s a rarity) and surgeons who would be willing to speak at our public forum in the Puget Sound region of WA State (scheduled for September 17th, if it’s not too late). If you are interested, or know of someone who might be, please contact me. I can be reached via e-mail at lindapourpasand@comcast.net. Thank you.
Linda Pourpasand
Lakewood, WA
I am appalled at your organization for not getting the word out re: the Obama Healthcare Plan. I never knew this organization existed until I heard a comment on Fox News.
Please hit the airwaves with ads telling what doctors really are saying. Obama says the AMA is in favor of his plan. So we have to believe him because you are not speaking out.
NOT JUST THE AMA HAS CAVED, WE ALSO HAVE AARP THAT
LEFT WING BODY SUPPORTING THIS. SO MUCH FOR BEING
A VOICE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. DROP YOUR MEMBERSHIP
NOW!!!!!!!
SR’S GET OUT OF THIS ORGANIZATION IF POSSIBLE.
THE UNGODLY PLANS THE LEFT HAS FOR AMERICA ARE
FRIGHTENING!!! WE MUST STAND FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY
AT ALL COSTS. I WOULD RATHER DIE FREE THAN LIVE
UNDER TYRANNY!
UNION THUGS AND CRIMINAL ACORN WILL BE THE ENFORCERS.
EXPECT NO SYMPATHY.
JOIN LIKE MINDED PATRIOTS GOING TO MARCH ON WASHINGTON
TO PROTEST THE WHOLE MAD SCHEME OF B.O. AND HIS
GERRYMANDERED LEFT WING CONGRESS. SOMETHING WILL
COME OF ALL THIS AND IT WON’T BE PRETTY.
CHOOSE NOW…FREEDOM OR DICTATORSHIP.
CHECK ON THE INTERNET UNDER “SEPT 12 MARCH ON WASHINGTON”
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By all means, YES – do dump any and all affiliation with the AMA. I am a RN and would say the same for the ANA.
I am an RN who works in a private practice multispecialty group. The American Nurses Association sold us down the river too. Many nurses do not understand that the slow death of the private practice doctor means the death of our jobs as well. Doctors create thousands of jobs. This is trickle down economics.
Don’t let them destroy your profession. Our founding fathers are probably rolling over in their graves right now about our loss of freedoms in this country.
Now the American Hospital Association has endorsed Obama Care. We must put a stop to this madness!
I worked as a senior consultant in the New Zealand NHS for a year before coming home. NHS is wretched, as is Obamacare. In addition to joining AAPS, may I strongly recommend that everyone here join the Heritage Foundation? They are leading the fight against Socialized Medicine.
I resigned my AMA membership in the 1990s when the AMA stood by ildly as for-profit rationing of health care reimbursement (AKA managed care) was engulfing our profession.
I was then considering joining the AAPS and I was on board with all of their positions except the one on vaccination. I had a lengthy email debate with Jane Orient, the president of the AAPS then, and I had to conclude that the position of the AAPS on that issue was irrational. Too bad.
reducing benefits to medicare recipients as well as reducing payments to doctors and possibly hospitals, is not only wrong but also a betrayal to all of us who have paid into this program during all our working life. as a member of AARP for many years I feel they (AARP) have an absolute obligation and duty to oppose such a reduction. otherwise what is their reason for existance. respectfully submitted.
Dump them. They have sold out America.
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I dumped the AMA when they published their Code of Medical Ethics years ago, saying that abortion is an acceptable medical practice. Obviously it’s not very healthful for the unborn child.
If AMA can’t get this simple ethical matter right, they cannot be expected to be anything more than power seeking turn-coat opportunists.
C. Thomas Gott MD, JD, PhD
Nevada Bar No 9816
5642 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite C
Las Vegas NV 89119-2310
Telephone: 702-891-0378
Fax: 866-314-4946
Cell: 702-592-0141
I am very uneasy thinking about our future and my son’s future who is a medical student. We need to at least fight for our patients, our families and go down swinging. I apreciate the AAPS since it seems to be the only organization who has it right. Keep up the good work. We cannot even afford to do Medicare and Medicaid, how can we take on 47 million which will rapidly grow to over a hundred million in ObamaCare. No one can really give us any details such as what will the fee schedule look like?? You can bet it will be similar to Medicaid rates. When you factor in your private insurance reimbursement will be shrinking each year we will rapidly see our incomes drop. The only choice will be longer hours and higher volume which will be hard to do we when many physicians will try and take on an electronical medical record which will markedly reduce productivity and volume. His plan hasn’t even factored in the shortage of primary care physcians which exists in most communities. My son also has let me know that most of his med school class is going into high paying specialties due to high debt load and the fear of how to pay it back. Most of us realize we need some type of reform, but please not this plan, it will be a disaster. I hope more and more physicians get vocal and show up at the March on Washington Sept. 12th.
Michael A. Witt, M. D.
Chatsworth, Georgia 30705
mawittmd@hotmail.com
(706) 695-6785
I oppose the current proposal for a Health Insurance Industry BAIL-OUT. This is the industry that created the current “crisis”. Let’s not reward their results with further funding. Give us legislation that protects the integrity and autonomy of the doctor-patient relationship.
In the Physician’s Declaration of Independence, I see no declaration of independence from the country’s largest union, the AMA, which has used government regulations (licensing) to restrict the supply of doctors and what non-doctors are allowed to do in order to artificially increase the demand for doctors, and hence their profit.
I also see no declaration of independence from legal plunder by advocating arbitration-only solutions to patient complaints, or at least advocacy of “loser pays.”
Inevitably, the solution to most ills is the elimination of government: voluntarysociety.org.
I am not a MD, however, I have provided care for a handicapped family member for
nearly a decade and one half. So my fear in regard to the current healthcare bill
is obvious.
My question is this: Who wrote the current 1000 plus page healthcare bill? I believe
that knowing the author(s) is step one in understanding the motives behind changing
the best healthcare available in the world into a situation where rationed care and
bureaucratic boards usurping the advice of medical doctors will likely become the norm.
Wonder why AMA and many other “official” medical-related organizations have abandoned us by endorsing socialized medicine? The reason is that the people(medical colleagues) who are attracted to official positions in the organizations have a Bureaucratic mindset. Thus, likewise is why our elected government officials behave thus. It would do no good to fire them, as they would be replaced by more of the same. As demonstrated by much of the correspondence here, the most effective way to combat their mischief is to resign from their organizations and leave them stranded.
MOST PRUDENT MEDICAL DOCTORS SHOULD DUMP THERE INVOLVEMENT WITH THE AMA–KNOW KNOWN AS THE SOCIALIST AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION…SO CALL IT THE OBAMA SAMA….THEY HAVE SOLD OUT DOCTORS, PEOPLE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC…I HOPE ALL DOCTORS RESIGN FROM ANY AFFILITAION WITH THE CURRENT AMA–NO MEMBERS–NO ASSOCIATION….THE DAY THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENS WITH MY MEDICAL CARE AND MY RELEATIONSHIP WITH MYSLELF AND MY DOCTOR IS THE DAY THAT GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SHOULD FEAR HIS OR HER LIFE. AND I AM NOT ALONE..TRUST ME ON THAT..
As an FP and past president of the Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design, we have found local solutions for our primary care practices. It’s all about the patient.
By adopting “direct practices”, we bypass all third parties and work for our patients. My fee for care (retainer) model has restored the patient-physician relationship in my practice. And, it’s not for the rich.
The key: patient-financed medical homes. We have been in an abusive relationship with third parties for too long.
Chris Ewin, MD
Fort Worth, Texas
http://www.simpd.org
I was an alt delegate for AMA for ten years – incredibly frustrating. I resigned that position a few years back and resigned AMA last year. I was so weary of reading the AMA newspaper and seeing it conflict in opinion and tone with my thoughts. I thought by resigning, I would stop that – but it keeps coming along with JAMA – it won’t die. I am not sure exactly who they represent anymore.
I am a registered nurse and I really have a question, every doc that I have come in contact with ( and there are many) has denied being a member of the AMA, so who really belongs??I have heard that only 40% of physicians belong so that should tell us something.. I have resigned from the ANA which only gave me a magazine and that was easy to give up . Like everything in else in this world this is about money and power and I believe that the docs that believe in this system are making a large mistake but it really is about them not the patient…
After over 17 years as an AMA member, I couldn’t take the hypocrisy anymore. I have tried to rationalize that I should try to be part of the solution by my continued membership. Clearly being a member is not the solution, but rather the problem. I resoundingly resigned from their ranks last week 8/09. They clearly do not represent my interests or the interests of my colleagues, which begs the question: ‘If they don’t represent me, how can they appropriately represent the needs of my patient’s?’ They can’t and don’t. I invite all my colleagues to join the AAPS.
I feel that the 40% of doctors who remain in the AMA are too busy to become informed about what the AMA is doing — inviting socialized medicine. I speak for the six M.D.’s in my family.
Why are you so pissed at the AMA? we aleady have government medicine with medicare and medicaid, but this needs reform as well. There are many government programs that we take advantage of everyday (the police, the fire department, the post office). I work for a community mental health center subsidized by the county to help treat mentally ill who have no insurance. Does that make me a socialist?
I have been a Family Physician for 10 years. I am a cofounder and past president of the Society For Innovative Medical Practice Design. For the past 9 years I have worked for my patients in a direct practice model. Primary care physicians have compromised the care of our patients by accepting third party discounted rates. The only way we can restore the integrity of the physician patient relationship is to return to working for our patients in a direct fianancial relationship. The AMA has betrayed thier physician members and our patients by supporting a government health care option. There are better ways to achieve our nations health care goals. My resignation from the AMA is in the mail.
I’ve over 50 years of health care delivery experience..a very wide range.
I wrote a non fiction book, ROLL THE DICE, PICK A DOC AND HOPE FOR THE BEST, Booksurge.com (March 2009). I address the AMA, health care reform, licensing and credentialling of providers, and a host of related issues in my book
I opted out of the AMA in the mid or late 80′s when then Director, Dr. Sammons, was exposed for giving interest free loans to cronies, and other illegal/unethical acts. He was making $500,000, plus perks, per year. The AMA would not give me a list of salaries for it’s administrative staff (and my County and State Societies were not interested in pursuing it). At the time I had been a lifelong member of the AMA.
The AMA had 75-80 % membership when I joined in the late 50′s. Today it is under 30%. They do not represent the majority of US physicians.
Dr. Cosgrove, Cleveland Clinic, gave an excellent presentation on health care issues on the NPR Evening News Hour (8/12/09). The interviewer asked the 64-dollar question: “Has the White House been in contact with you?” His reply in essence: “We’ve given them a tour of our operation and discussed what we believe are the essential priorities. No, they have not gotten back to us.”
Cherry picking what fits personal, special and entrepreneurial interests will not improve health care delivery and will not be in the country’s/patient’s best intersts.
Marching on Washington idea is strictly sound bite theatrics. The meaningful pressure comes from one-on-one with your elected representatives. Doctors have done a poor job in that respect, and I recognize the sacrifice needed to take time from busy schedules. However, if we don’t do it, less qualified and less committed will do it for you.
I just sent the following comment to the AMA
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I am an old-timer, having graduated from med school in 1964 when the AMA still represented the average practicing doctor. I have stubbornly held on through the years to the concept of physician collegiality. A physician friend of mine who is a political liberal always denigrated the AMA, but in recent years has become a strong supporter. I think I’m beginning to see the light.
I would like to know the actual physician membership in the AMA
Doctors should dump the AMA. A doctor and patient relationship should supercede any other agency or bureacracy. The phrase “Do no harm” means nothing anymore if a doctor cannot use his/her best judgement in treatment and work with the patient’s unique situation.
The current insurance situation is in need of some changes, but that can be addressed without pressing the reset button on health care.
One issue at a time, one bill at a time, we can solve the problems. We won’t get perfection ever and if that is the goal then we are on the path toward the worst kind of tyranny at the hands of tyrants who impose things on us and are not bound by conscience due to the fact they think what they are doing is good for us.
Google the article by Dale Steinriech, Ph.D about the history of the AMA. Interesting.
I am the last practicing physician in a family that going back one gereration produced 7 physicians, 6 of which were in practice simultaneously, one career military and 5 specialists.
My rather simple suggestion for fixing the current mess that Congress has made of our profession would be twofold:
1. Means test medicare.
2. Repeal the HMO act of 1992 and turn the management of medical costs bact to those who understand statistics, the actuaries. Then allow persons of all ages to purchase the needed coverage just as was the case prior to 1992.
These two steps would take the “economic engineering” out of medicine which is largely responsible for the unmanageability that we all face, stop the need for cost shifting, etc…
What we have now is socialized “managed profit” controlled by insurance executives. At this point continuing the 1970′s fee schedules is untanable. As an Otolaryngologist with a subspeciality fellowship and boards in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, I am soon going to limit my practice to purely elective surgery as many thousands of primary care physicians are threatening to quit entirely.
James J. LaNasa, Jr. M.D. FACS
I am not a doctor, but I have worked in the medical profession for about 30 years. Why would a reputable organization like AMA would even want their name used in the same context of THE OBAMACARE.
My suggestion, let AMA know we don’t need them, and cut them loose.
Down with OBAMACARE AND AMA.
The AMA has never been a proponent of patient or physician concerns. It is a an entity unto itself that has sought to promote it’s own interests. It has nothing to do with representation and protection of the patient or physician.
THIS THIRD WORLD COUNTRY HEALTH CARE BILL IS NOTHING MORE THAN A HUGE STEP TOWARDS A SOCIALIZED SOCIETY, THIS IS A SOCIETY I DO NOT WANT AND WILL FIGHT TO MY DEATH FOR FREEDOM..THIS IS A BACK DOOR ATTEMPT TO LEGALIZE AND HAND OUT TAX PAYER MONEY TO ILLEGALS, TO TRIAL LAWYERS AND SPECIAL INTEREST LIBERAL COMPANIES..YOU DO NOT NEED 2100 PAGES TO REFORM HEALTH CARE–I WOULD SAY A BILL EVERYONE COULD READ SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN 100 PAGES, AND THAT MAY BE TOO MUCH. ILLEGALS SHOULD NOT RECIEVE ANY SORT OF HEALTH CARE, ILLEGAL MEANS ILLEGAL AND THESE PEOPLE NEED TO GO HOME AND SPONGE OFF THERE OWN GOVERNMENTS. HEALTH CARE AND THIS SO-CALLED CAP AND TRADE–(TAX AND FLEECE) ARE STEPS TOWARDS TAKING OUR FREEDOM AWAY–RUINING MEDICAL CARE, THE BEST IN THE WORLD, DESTROY THE FANTASTIC DOCTORS AND MEDICAL PEOPLE THAT HELP THE SICK. YOU WILL LOSE DOCTORS, NEW DOCTORS WILL BE SUB STANDART AND WE WILL HAVE MASSIVE DEBT AND A HUGE LOSS OF FREEDOM OVER THIS ATTEMPT TO RUN OVER THE CONSTITUTION…NEXT NOVEMBER–YOU MUST THROW EVERY CORRUPT CONGRESSIONAL PIG OUT OF OFFICE–EITHER PARTY…THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND A BILL THAT IS WORTHLESS FOR THE MAJORITY OF LEGAL AMERCAN CITIZENS…
AS FOR THE AMA–THERY ARE NOTHING DIFFERNET THAT THE SEIU, ACORN. MOST POMINENT DOCTORS ARE NOT EVEN MEMBERS, AND IF THEY ARE THEY DO NOT SUPPORT THE AMA WHAT SO EVER..THIS COUNTRY HAS NEVER BEEN UNDER ATTACK LIKE THIS FROM ITS ELECTED OFFICIALS..THESE PEOPLE NEED TO REMOVED FROM OFFICE IMMEDIATELY…VOTE THESE POMPUS ARROGANT CORRUPT CRIMINALS OUT OF OFFICE NEXST NOVEMBER. THIS IS TOTAL INSANITY AT BEST..OBAMA LIED AND RAN FOR PRESIDENT ON DECPETION AND UN-AMERCIAN VALUES..THIS GUY IS NO BETTER THAN THE PM OF IRAN–HIS HERO HUGO CHAVEZ AND THE CASTRO GANG..VOTE THESE PIGS OUT AND KEEP POUNDING THERE EMAILS–PHONES AND NEWS ORGANIZATIONS…NEWS ORGANIZATIONS–BESIDES FOX AND TALK RADIO–THE NETWORKS ARE NOTHING MORE THAN OBAMA PROPAGANDA OUTLETS–VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT NAZI GERMANY DID–WHAT IS CURRENTLY HAPPENING IN HUGO CHAVEZ’S TERRITORY–IRAN–THE EX SOVIET UNION..OBAMA IS A TRAITOR AND HE HATES THIS COUNTRY..HE NEEDS TO GO FOLKS…HE AND ALL OF HIS CZARS, HIS CABNET OF SOCIALISTS AND BACKERS LIKE G.E. AND THE REAL SELFISH PIG GEORGE SORO’S…
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