American Academy of Family Physicians


"As We See It" uses messages from AAFP leadership, editorials and other opinion pieces to update you on Academy advocacy and other key topics, often including "inside story" information to help you better understand the Academy's actions. From time to time, individual AAFP members may be invited to share their views on issues via guest opinions. As We See It online also is the home for letters to the editor.

Like what you read in As We See It? Beg to differ? Have an issue you think As We See It should address? E-mail your ideas -- and your letters to the editor -- to ann@aafp.org. Or, take advantage of the comments feature shown on each story page to air your views.
Stock photo of facility with Family Medicine sign

The Bargaining Chip We've Been Looking For

(5/17/2013, 2:25 p.m.)  --  There is a David-versus-Goliath perception that makes many primary care physicians dealing with giant hospitals and health care systems feel disadvantaged during payment negotiations, but the truth is that every health system needs a strong primary care base. Now, more than ever, we can prove it. Merritt Hawkins, the national physician search firm, periodically surveys hospital chief financial officers about how much revenue physicians in 18 different specialties generate for their affiliated hospitals each year. For the first time since the survey started in 2002, the CFOs indicated in a report released this month that primary care physicians generate more revenue, on average, than subspecialists. More


Nurses Play Vital Role

(5/10/2013, 2:10 p.m.)

They're Your Comments; Make Them Count

(4/19/2013, 12:40 p.m.)