Statement attributable to:
Larry S. Fields, M.D.
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
"More than 46 million people in America live without health insurance. That translates to one in six Americans under the age of 65.
"Medical care in the United States is the best in the world, and those providing health care are committed, caring professionals. However, there is a problem in making this care accessible and affordable to the uninsured.
"The American Academy of Family Physicians has taken a long, hard look at our system and is developing a new recommendation for comprehensive health system change to once and for all solve this problem.
"Our plan will address the entire scope of health care and its shortcomings. From workforce and liability issues to payment reform, this will be the first all-encompassing examination of America's heath system, with recommendations for improvement, in many years.
"Finding solutions to provide health care coverage for everyone in the United States benefits us all. Cover the Uninsured Week is May 1-7. This is an opportunity for all of us to learn more, to talk to our neighbors and ask tough questions of our elected officials and candidates.
"In the best tradition of democracy, it will take the voice of the people to build the health care system we desperately need. Make the choice to make a difference in assuring health care coverage for all. Do not leave it for someone else to decide. "
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To interview Dr. Fields, please call Leslie Champlin at (800) 274-2237, ext. 5224. View the AAFP's plan to assure health care coverage for all here.
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AAFP Statement: Family Physicians Call for Citizen Action to Cover the Uninsured
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
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Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 110,600 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the only medical society devoted solely to primary care.
Approximately one in four of all office visits are made to family physicians. That is 240 million office visits each year — nearly 87 million more than the next largest medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care.
To learn more about the specialty of family medicine, the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, and for downloadable multi-media highlighting family medicine, visit www.aafp.org/media. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s award-winning consumer website, www.FamilyDoctor.org.
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