Statement attributable to:
Rick Kellerman, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
AAFP Statement: AAFP Response to Revised Medicare Payment for Physicians in 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 11, 2006
Contact:
Leslie Champlin
American Academy of Family Physicians
(800) 274-2237, Ext. 5224
lchampli@aafp.org
“We at the American Academy of Family Physicians are grateful Congress has realized the valuable care family physicians and other doctors provide.”
“By passing the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (HR 6111), Congress is acknowledging the work of the doctors who are the foundation of the entire health care system – front-line, family physicians who care for millions of patients of all ages, in all types of communities, nationwide every day.”
“The bill prevents the 5 percent reduction in Medicare payments to physicians in 2007; maintains the minimum bonus payment to rural physicians; and calls for a demonstration of the patient-centered medical home as a model for providing health care.”
“In this three-year demonstration project, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will examine the efficiencies and quality improvements provided by the AAFP and American College of Physicians’ concept of a patient-centered medical home.”
“The American Academy of Family Physicians believes that everyone should have a personal medical home that serves as the focal point through which all individuals – regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status – receive acute, chronic and preventive medical services. Through an ongoing relationship with a family physician in their medical home, patients can be assured of care that is not only accessible but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated, patient-centered, safe, scientifically valid and satisfying to both patients and their physicians.”
“Investing in a primary-care based health care system means a healthier, more productive society. This bill includes a step in that direction and is helpful for our patients.”
"Family physicians want to commend Congress for avoiding payment cuts that would have worked against access to medical care for all patients. However, there still is more to accomplish in making health care available and affordable. We look forward to working with the next Congress in progressing toward this long-sought goal.”
“By passing the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (HR 6111), Congress is acknowledging the work of the doctors who are the foundation of the entire health care system – front-line, family physicians who care for millions of patients of all ages, in all types of communities, nationwide every day.”
“The bill prevents the 5 percent reduction in Medicare payments to physicians in 2007; maintains the minimum bonus payment to rural physicians; and calls for a demonstration of the patient-centered medical home as a model for providing health care.”
“In this three-year demonstration project, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will examine the efficiencies and quality improvements provided by the AAFP and American College of Physicians’ concept of a patient-centered medical home.”
“The American Academy of Family Physicians believes that everyone should have a personal medical home that serves as the focal point through which all individuals – regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic status – receive acute, chronic and preventive medical services. Through an ongoing relationship with a family physician in their medical home, patients can be assured of care that is not only accessible but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated, patient-centered, safe, scientifically valid and satisfying to both patients and their physicians.”
“Investing in a primary-care based health care system means a healthier, more productive society. This bill includes a step in that direction and is helpful for our patients.”
"Family physicians want to commend Congress for avoiding payment cuts that would have worked against access to medical care for all patients. However, there still is more to accomplish in making health care available and affordable. We look forward to working with the next Congress in progressing toward this long-sought goal.”
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Note to journalists: To interview Dr. Kellerman, please contact Leslie Champlin at (800) 274-2237, ext. 5224, or by e-mail at lchampli@aafp.org.
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.
