The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) held its interim meeting for calendar year 2013 near the nation’s capital in National Harbor, MD, from November 14-19. During this meeting, the AANEM co-sponsored a resolution designed to resolve the disparities in health promotion and preventative screenings experienced by individuals with disabilities. Support for the resolution was quickly obtained, and the HOD voted to direct AMA staff to work with the National Council on Disability, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and related agencies to advocate for and promote equitable access to health preventative screenings for disabled individuals.
In addition, a variety of important issues were reviewed including: the crisis in medication shortages, electronic health record usability, and graduate medical education funding. Discussions were held on the implementation of ICD-10, the physicians’ role in team-based care, and repeal of the sustainable growth rate (SGR).
AANEM was represented by John Kincaid, MD, delegate (pictured, left); and William Pease, MD, alternate delegate. Each took advantage of an opportunity to spend time on Capitol Hill during the last days of the meeting. They carried the HOD’s message to move past the annual SGR crisis and short term patches. Also, they advocated for pay-for-performance options along with alternative payment models, including private contracting with Medicare beneficiaries.
“AANEM also took the opportunity to educate Congress about the cuts to EDX services in 2013,” said Catherine French, senior policy analyst (pictured, left). “Drs. Kincaid and Pease updated their elected officials on the organization’s efforts to reduce fraudulent and abusive EDX practices and to ensure quality EDX providers are reimbursed fairly.”
AANEM continues to monitor the progress of SGR repeal and payment reform. Updates will be provided as information becomes available.