FP Report -- July 1999
Beltway briefs
- Fifty family practice leaders, including representatives of 20 chapters, hit the Hill during the specialty's annual spring legislative visit in the nation's capital. They visited more than 100 senators' and representatives' offices, asking lawmakers to cosponsor the GME Technical Amendments bills, S. 541 and H.R. 1222. Five legislators who had not yet signed onto the bills promised to do so. The bills would correct problems the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 poses for the specialty's residencies.
- If you're into politics and want to do the specialty a favor, consider becoming an AAFP key legislative contact. You'll receive news on legislative issues crucial to family practice before lobbying your lawmakers. To volunteer, send an e-mail to capitol@aafp.org or call Laura Saul-Edwards at (888) 794-7481.
- Over the years, the Health Care Financing Administration has been criticized for not responding to requests for coverage of new medicines and therapies. Now, a new committee should help HCFA provide scientifically grounded decisions on coverage requests.
FP Paul Fischer, M.D., of Evans, Ga., was appointed to the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee in mid-May. An AAFP nominee, Fischer joins about 100 committee members representing consumers, health professionals, and producers of pharmaceuticals and durable medical equipment. They will advise HCFA on requests for Medicare coverage of medical services and items.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department. Copyright © 1999 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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