The Medical Society Of Virginia
            4205 DOVER ROAD RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23221 (804)353-2721

                                May 13, 1992

The Honorable Thomas J. Bliley, Jr.
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Tom:

        This is a request for assistance with a problem that has 
cropped up relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was 
brought to my attention by Dr. Percy Wootton, one of Virginia's most 
prominent physicians and a member of the AMA Board of Trustees.
        As related to me, a medicaid patient who was hearing impaired 
was treated by Dr. Wootton's practice using a signing translator 
provided by the patient. This particular treatment is reimbursed $18.00 
by Medicaid. Shortly after treatment, the group practicereceived a bill 
for $50.00 for services provided by the translator who threatened to 
sue under the Americans with Disabilities Act if not paid.
        In a conversation with Mr. Bruce U. Kozlowski, Virginia's 
Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services and a very 
capable administrator, I was informed that there are no provisions 
under the law to reimburse physicians or any health care provider for 
this type of service.
        This seems terribly unfair to physicians who, in many cases, 
lose financially by treating Medicaid patients.
        I see a potential for abuse-not just in medicine-if this is 
allowed to be an interpretation of the ADA. I feel certain that the 
authors of the bill did not have this in mind when they passed it. I 
also foresee many physicians dropping out of the Medicaid program which 
could jeopardize the entire program.
        I enjoyed getting a brief chance to see you at the Medical 
Society's Legislative Luncheon in Washington last week and know that 
you will have sound advice to give Dr. Wootton and other Virginia 
physicians who are potentially victims of this unsolicited "help."
        Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. 
                                              With best wishes, 

                                                Paul E. Galanti 
                                         Deputy Executive Vice 
President

Copy:   Percy Wootton, M.D. 
        John W. Hollowell, M.D. 
        George E. Broman, M.D.  
        Mr. Bruce U. Kozlowski      
        Mr. James L. Moore, Jr.

01-01463