AAFP trounces chiropractors' primary care bid, addresses other concerns -- February 2002 -- FP Report

February 2002 • Volume 8 • Number 2

AAFP trounces chiropractors' primary care bid, addresses other concerns

With overwhelming support from members, the Academy thwarted an effort by chiropractors in the last half of 2001 to be designated as primary care providers in the Veterans Affairs health system.

The AAFP alerted members just days after the House Veterans Affairs Committee approved a bill that would have allowed veterans to designate a chiropractor as their primary care provider.

Nearly 7,800 AAFP members sent letters opposing the bill to lawmakers in Congress. Their message? Chiropractors are not qualified as primary care providers because their training does not include the breadth or depth of medical education required of a primary care physician.

"Many members were concerned that this measure could be seen as a foot in the door for other health care systems to allow chiropractors primary care status," said Roberts. "It wasn't only a bad decision for veterans' health care, but it was also an insult to veterans since they could then receive care of less quality." The final bill allows chiropractors to continue providing chiropractic services only. It was approved and sent to the White House for President George W. Bush's signature Dec. 20.

OTHER ISSUES

The Academy also addressed challenges in these areas:

Medicare reform. Two legislative packages to provide Medicare regulatory relief for physicians saw action in 2001. Both concentrated on educating health care providers about Medicare programs and clarifying their due process rights when faced with government audits. The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Medicare Regulatory and Contracting Reform Act Dec. 4. A similar bill in the Senate was not considered, but action is possible this year.
Bioterrorism. Hours before Congress adjourned Dec. 20, the Senate endorsed a House bioterrorism bill but sent it to a conference committee after insisting on an amendment. The bill aims to improve the nation's ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.
OxyContin. In early 2001, Drug Enforcement Administration officials suggested to the FDA that only pain control specialists be allowed to prescribe OxyContin and similar drugs because of increasing incidents of user abuse, addiction and illegal diversion. Because of Academy action, the DEA has publicly agreed to support the right of responsible physicians to have access to all appropriate pain management medication, said Kevin Burke, director of the Government Relations Division. Also, the AAFP was invited to participate in an FDA advisory committee that is considering measures to prevent prescription drug abuse.

"REMARKABLE" RECORD

All in all, the Academy enjoyed a remarkable track record in 2001 and the past few years in Washington, Roberts said.

Jerome Connolly, senior government relations specialist in the Government Relations Division, agreed. "We won the chiropractor issue. We were successful in gaining increases in Title VII and National Health Service Corps funds. We made strong strides on OxyContin and Medicare contractor reforms, and we are well-positioned to influence a better formula for determining Medicare payments."

"We learned much in 2001," Roberts said. "There was a lot happening in America, and then there was Sept. 11. Family physicians got more involved because of it, and I think we're going to see that more often now."

Family physicians are worried about their practices and the health care system, he said.

Roberts' message to members? "Don't get frustrated. Until we get this system working better, the Academy will work to increase its visibility and influence in Washington."

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