In response to the Becker’s Hospital Review report, “Wall Street Journal: After Making a Deal on Healthcare Reform, AMA Still Can’t Get to Permanent Fee-Fix,” a comment attributed to American Medical Association President Cecil B. Wilson, MD, read as the following:
The Wall Street Journal’s editorial is completely distorted. The AMA is working with members of both political parties to stop the cut through the end of 2011. The current one-month patch reflects the realities of a lame-duck Congress and the cost of reform. Blame for the current Medicare meltdown and the increasingly expensive price tag lies at Congress’ door — neither political party is exempt. We are committed to reform of the broken Medicare physician payment system, which both Republicans and Democrats agree has been a problem long before the debate over health reform began.
Our qualified support for the health reform law was based on it meeting a majority of strong principles that reflected policies established by AMA’s House of Delegates, which includes members from every state and medical specialty society. There was no quid-pro-quo, despite shopworn claims to the contrary from those who aim to dismantle improvements to our health system.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
