President's Report

Once again, the emails from the American Medical Association (AMA) and Florida Medical Association (FMA) circulate urging each of us to notify our senators and representatives of the need to repeal the SGR and stop the 21 percent Medicare cut. Usually without a second thought, I click the link and respond. With the most recent request I decided to write my own letter to Senator Nelson and take a different position. Not because I was giving up or unwilling to fight, but more to express what will likely happen if the cuts go through.

I suggested that if the 21 percent cut occurred the decision would be easy for me and perhaps many other physicians. I would no longer be able to afford to treat this population of patients. It is no surprise that Florida is one of the "access hot spots" where, according to the AMA, there are only 15 practicing physicians per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries. This will likely only worsen as the Obama Healthcare Reform legislation moves into place. Access to care will become a significant concern to Florida seniors. I am tired of the month to month "threats" followed by a few months postponement on this issue and it must end.

Recently, I sat through a few hours of presentations and questions to several individuals running for political office. All were running for state positions. We questioned them on various issues regarding tort reform, sovereign immunity for emergency department visits and how they will manage the budget shortfall for the Medicaid program. The candidates were a mixture of Democrats and Republicans and the range of political experience was wide. Many understood the issues and also presented an answer favorable to physicians while others lacked complete understanding of the depth of the issues.

I was impressed by the answers from most of the candidates regardless of their party affiliation. Interestingly, those running for a Democratic seat were very moderate and, in fact, notably fiscally conservative in their opinions.

All thought that sovereign immunity for ER care should occur and many thought there should be some liability reform but were not sure of which way to go due to the dominance of the trial bar in politics.

Regarding Medicaid funding and how to manage this ever–growing program, half believed this should be handed over to the managed care companies as it was the "only way" to accommodate the budget shortfall. This response was most forceful from our seasoned politicians.

I left the meeting feeling very motivated to contribute to a few seasoned candidates and newcomers who convinced me that they had a clear handle on the importance of the issues for doctors in the state of Florida. Also, I understand the importance of access to these folks when they take office. They always remember the generous contributions that help them win the seat. Remember, the donation limit is $500 per candidate but anything is appreciated.

I want to thank these candidates for caring enough about doctors to come speak to us and hear about our issues. I honor their commitment for wanting to make things better for everyone.

For my colleagues, I urge each of you to make a small donation, maybe $100, to the FOGS Political Action Committee (donate online at www.flobgyn.org) or on your own to a worthy candidate to keep our messages alive. Attend a political fundraiser of your choice and meet these candidates as I think this will energize your involvement in the political side of medicine. If you need talking points, contact us at FOGS and we can tell you what we are working on to help the doctors of Florida continue to practice medicine. GET INVOLVED!

*On June 25, Congress passed a temporary fix that reverses the pay cut through November 30.