August 2002 • Volume 8 • Number 8 |
If the AMA were to change into the core element of an "organization of organizations" (see story above), how would it affect you? Here are some ways:
If you currently belong to the AMA, you might not be able to continue your direct membership -- unless the AMA somehow kept an individual membership channel open. But currently, less than 30 percent of all doctors are members, the key reason the AMA has been looking for ways to change.
In cases in which the AMA -- or another member organization -- took the lead in lobbying on an issue that the entire group agreed on, the lobbying effort could be more powerful than ever. That's because the lead organization could say it spoke on behalf of a vastly larger number of doctors -- physicians represented by the member organizations of the larger group. (Professional liability reform, anyone?)
The Academy would be expected to pay dues to be a member of the organization of organizations. Therefore, in a sense, some of your AAFP dues dollars would go to the AMA. How much would the AAFP pay for its membership? No one knows -- which is why the AMA House of Delegates decided to look at a business plan next year before committing to the change. The concept has to be doable for all the groups involved.
The AMA would downsize, dropping some activities, products and services. But it would continue its key role in areas such as medical ethics, advocacy, standards and publishing. Member organizations might market their products and services together, so you could compare and select what's right for your practice.
FP Report is published by the
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Copyright © 2002 by
American Academy of Family Physicians.