On Sermo there is a grass roots movement to see if we can somehow make Congress better aware of the general plight of physicians "in the treches". Here are the important URLs:

* emrupdate review of the 2 threads dealing with this letter, skipping the numerous junk answers- http://www.emrupdate.com/forums/t/13093.aspx

* The actual Sermo thread that is still open (round 1 has closed and is continued here)- https://md.sermo.com/medical/ticket/details?nav=on&id=17083

We need for you all to be active! Here is my most recent reply on amending the letter:

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Folks, let's get back to the original intention of the thread!

In terms of the original letter, I would both simplify (esp get rid of point # 1), make the points more precise, and tell Congress what needs to be done:

1. The free market forces that have made this country great are not operating inhealthcare.
FIX: Congress should repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945 which granted health insurance companies exemption from some federal antitrust statutes to the extent that it is regulated by the states. The exemption primarily applies to gathering data in concert for the purpose of ratemaking. Otherwise, antitrust laws would have prohibited insurers from boycotting, acting coercively, restraining trade, or violating the Sherman or Clayton Acts.
URL: http://insurance.cch.com/RUPPS/mccarran-ferguson-act.htm

2. Insurance companies increasingly dictate treatments we can provide andhave compromised our ability make the best decisions about your healthcare.
FIX: Congress should propose a bill that would grant antitrust exemptions to self-employed health care professionals to negotiate collectively with health plans, while prohibiting strikes. Such a bill was proposed in 1999, but to date has been defeated.
URL: http://www.physiciansnews.com/cover/1199.html

3. An excessively litigious environment has promoted the practice of "defensive" medicine.
FIX: Congress should forward malpractice/tort reform immediately.
URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tort_reform

Keep it simple- remember that Congressmen have very busy schedules and short attention spans!

Cheers,
Al

Last edited by alborg; 02/22/2008 3:12 AM.