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President Obama Signs One-Year Delay of Medicare Cut Into Law

AMA Statement, Dec. 15, 2010
President Obama signed into law a one-year delay of the looming Medicare physician payment cut that would have hurt seniors' health care.
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AMA Applauds AHA for Position on Sodium Reduction

AMA Statement, Jan. 13, 2011
The American Medical Association applauds the American Heart Association's call for intensified efforts to reduce the amount of sodium that Americans consume.
Read the AMA Statement

On-Demand Webcast: What to Expect From Washington

Media Alert, Jan. 12, 2011
AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD, participated in a one-hour Modern Healthcare webinar, "What to expect from Washington: The prognosis for reform and changes likely under a divided Congress."
Watch the webcast from Modern Healthcare

Keep It Simple: How Administration Burdens Cost You Money, and What Needs to Change

Media Alert, Jan. 10, 2011
"Each health insurer uses a different set of guidelines for processing and paying medical claims," says AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD. "This variability requires physicians to maintain a costly claims management system for each insurer, placing a substantial administrative burden on physicians that adds a huge, unnecessary cost to our healthcare system."
Read the article from Medical Economics

Physicians Win Reprieve in Huge Cut to Medicare Fees

Media Alert, Jan. 7, 2011
AMA President Cecil Wilson, MD, said that the 25 percent across-the-board pay cut scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1 would have meant many physicians, facing increased practice costs, would be unable to continue serving Medicare patients.
Read the article from Psychiatric News

Battling Burnout: Medicine Is Recognizing That Physician Well-Being Affects both practitioners and their patients

Media Alert, Jan. 7, 2011
The meeting of the AMA last October included a gathering of the International Alliance for Physician Health, a group of practitioners and organizations working to promote the health and well-being of physicians.
Read the article from Minnesota Medicine

Some Doctors Question Medicare Program in Health Law

Media Alert, Dec. 22, 2010
AMA president, Cecil B. Wilson, M.D., said, "Unless those regulations are done in the right way, this whole effort to expand accountable care organizations across this country and improve health care, and to a great extent the outcome of the Affordable Care Act, will be in severe question."
Read the Huffington Post article

Red Flags Rule Will Not Apply to Certain Professions

Media Alert, Dec. 21, 2010
The American Medical Association (AMA) filed a lawsuit in federal court in May seeking to prevent the FTC from extending the Red Flags Rule to physicians.
Read the article from SC Magazine

Obama Signs Law Excluding Doctors From Red Flags Rule

Media Alert, Dec. 21, 2010
President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill that clarifies the term "creditor" in the Red Flags Rule, excluding doctors and other small businesses.
Read the article from Healthcare Finance News

'Tis the Season to Give a Gift That Can Make a World of Difference

AMA Press Release, Dec. 20, 2010
Through AMA Foundation's WorldScopes program you can send stethoscopes to clinics and hospitals around the world.
Read the AMA Press Release

Nurses' Scope of Practice

Media Alert, Dec. 15, 2010
With a shortage of both physicians and nurses and millions more insured Americans, health care professionals will need to continue working together to meet the surge in demand for health care.
Read the article from the New England Journal of Medicine

President Obama Signs One-Year Delay of Medicare Cut Into Law

AMA Statement, Dec. 15, 2010
AMA president attends Oval Office bill signing.
Read the AMA Statement

Op-Ed: Climate Change Endangers Public Health in the United States

Media Alert, Dec. 14, 2010
The American Medical Association is working actively to educate health care professionals about the projected rise in climate-related illness.
Read the Huffington Post Article

House vote delays cut in Medicare pay for doctors

Media Alert, Dec. 10, 2010
According to Cecil B. Wilson, the president of the American Medical Association, this delay of one year is by fact essential to preserve the access of seniors to physician care by 2011. He further said, "Many physicians made clear that this year's roller coaster ride, caused by five delays of this year's cut, forced them to make difficult practice changes like limiting the number of Medicare patients they could treat."
Read the Medical Daily Article

AMA: Physician Groups Call On HHS to Revise E-Rx Penalty Policy

AMA Press Release, Dec. 10, 2010
The AMA and 103 state and specialty medical societies urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to revise the Medicare e-prescribing penalty policy in a letter sent to HHS Secretary Sebelius.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA, Physician Groups Urge CMS to Pay Overdue Reimbursements to Physicians

AMA Press Release, Dec. 10, 2010
The American Medical Association (AMA), along with medical societies representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia and 57 national medical specialty societies, called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use the $200 million allocated by Congress to provide physicians with long-overdue Medicare reimbursements for payments they should have received in 2010.
Read the AMA Press Release

House Passes Bill Averting Cut in Medicare Reimbursements

Media Alert, Dec. 9, 2010
The American Medical Association thanked Congress for approving the legislation with a one-year delay in the reimbursement cut.
Read the New York Times article

Medicare Payment Bill Passes House, Goes to Obama

Media Alert, Dec. 9, 2010
"Stopping the steep 25% Medicare cut for one year was vital to preserve seniors' access to physician care in 2011," said Dr. Cecil Wilson, the AMA's president.
Read the CNN Money article

Congress Approves Freeze on Medicare Doc Payments

Media Alert, Dec. 9, 2010
"Stopping the steep 25 percent Medicare cut for one year was vital to preserve seniors’ access to physician care in 2011," said Cecil B. Wilson, president of the American Medical Association.
Read the AARP Bulletin article

House Passes Obama-Backed Doc Fix

Media Alert, Dec. 9, 2010
The American Medical Association praised Congress for approving the fix, saying that the health care industry will soon be challenged by an increasing number of seniors.
Read the article from The Hill

Congress Votes to Avert Medicare Doctor Pay Cut

Media Alert, Dec. 9, 2010
"Stopping the steep 25 percent Medicare cut for one year was vital to preserve seniors' access to physician care in 2011," said the AMA's president, Cecil Wilson.
Read the article from MSNBC

AMA: Congress Passes One-Year Delay Of Medicare Physician Cut

AMA Statement, Dec. 9, 2010
Bill now moves to President for signature.
Read the AMA Statement

On KevinMD: AMA Helps Physicians Care for Patients

Media Alert, Dec. 9, 2010
AMA President Dr. Cecil Wilson writes at leading physician blog KevinMD.com about essential resources available to physicians from the AMA, including help with practice management. He also provides a breaking news update on Congress' vote to stop the 2011 Medicare physician payment cut.
Read the column on KevinMD.com

Medicare needs sustainable 'doc fix'

Media Alert, Dec. 8, 2010
According to a recent survey by the American Medical Association, 60% of physicians are looking at ways to opt out of Medicare because of the potential cuts.
Read the article from USA Today

AMA Welcomes Senate Passage of One-Year Delay of Medicare Physician Payment Cut

AMA Statement, Dec. 8, 2010
Calls for quick House passage to ensure continuity of care for seniors.
Read the AMA Statement

Fix Medicare's Doctor Payment System

Media Alert, Dec. 7, 2010
Absent congressional action, Maryland stands to lose $340 million for the care of elderly and disabled patients during 2011, according to the American Medical Association. Read the Baltimore Sun article

Congress Passes Bill That Helps Clarify Scope of Red Flags Rule

AMA Statement, Dec. 7, 2010
"New legislation passed by Congress sheds some much needed light on who is considered a creditor under the red flags rule."
Read the AMA Statement

AMA to CMS: Physician-Led New Models of Care Benefit Patients and Health System

AMA Press Release, Dec. 2, 2010
AMA comment letter on ACOs provides blueprint for increased competition and collaboration.
Read the AMA press release

House Votes to Stall Medicare Physician Payment Cut Until Dec. 31

Media Alert, Nov. 30, 2010
In a statement the AMA issued after Monday’s House vote, Cecil B. Wilson, MD, president of the AMA, praised the short-term reprieve but called on Congress to enact a 12-month fix to give the next Congress sufficient time to permanently change the Medicare physician payment formula.
Read the article from Cardiology Today

Congress Votes to Delay Pay Cut to Doctors

Media Alert, Nov. 29, 2010
Cecil Wilson, president of the American Medical Association, hailed Monday's House vote, but renewed his push for a long-term solution by year's end.
Read the article from the New York Times

Medicare Rate Cut Delayed - For Now

Media Alert, Nov. 29, 2010
"While this short-term delay helps ensure that physicians can continue to care for seniors for the next month, congressional action early in December to stop the cut for one year will inject stability into the Medicare program," said Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, the association's president.
Read the article from CNN Money

Medicare Doctors Still Face Big Cuts

Media Alert, Nov. 29, 2010
"Today, Congress staved off a Medicare meltdown for seniors, but this short-term reprieve ends when a 25 percent Medicare cut to physicians begins January 1," Cecil B. Wilson, M.D., president, American Medical Association said in a statement.
Read the article from the AARP Bulletin

CT MDs Glum on New Medicare Pay Rules

Media Alert, Nov. 29, 2010
Another physician payment cut is scheduled Jan. 1, bringing the cumulative effect of an across-the-board pay cut of nearly 30 percent in Connecticut. This translates to a loss of $360 million for care of the elderly, disabled and members of the military in Connecticut alone over the next 13 months, according to the American Medical Association.
Read the article from the Hartford Business Journal

Congress Staves Off Medicare Cut that Hurts Seniors; One-Year Action Needed in December

AMA Press Release, Nov. 29, 2010
"Today, Congress staved off a Medicare meltdown for seniors, but this short-term reprieve ends when a 25 percent Medicare cut to physicians begins Jan. 1."
Read the AMA Statement

Congress Puts off Cuts to Doctor Medicare Payments

Media Alert, Nov. 29, 2010
AMA President Dr. Cecil B. Wilson applauded the short-term delay while noting that the first baby boomers will turn 65 next year and begin relying on Medicare.
Read the Associated Press article

10% of Family Docs Mull Shuttering Over Medicare Cuts

Media Alert, Nov. 27, 2010
The AMA, which represents physicians nationwide including those that accept Medicare patients, applauded the reprieve but called on Congress to do more to prevent a "Medicare meltdown."
Read the Epoch Times article

Medicare: Getting a grip on costs

Media Alert, Nov. 23, 2010
Indeed, USA Today, citing American Medical Association statistics, says 31 percent of all primary care physicians already restrict the number of Medicare patients that they treat.
Read the Florida Times-Union article

Prior Authorization Hurts Patient Care, AMA Survey Finds

Media Alert, Nov. 23, 2010
"Intrusive managed care oversight programs that substitute corporate policy for physicians' clinical judgment can delay patient access to medically necessary care," said AMA Immediate Past President J. James Rohack, MD.
Read the Health Leaders Media article

Doctors say automated insurance process would improve patient care

Media Alert, Nov. 23, 2010
“The AMA is urging health insurers to automate and streamline the current cumbersome preauthorization process so physicians can manage patient care more efficiently,” AMA Immediate Past President J. James Rohack said in a statement.
Read the Insurance & Financial Advisor article

AMA Applauds HHS Adoption of NAIC Medical Loss Ratio Recommendation

AMA Statement, Nov. 22, 2010
"Patients deserve to get the maximum value from their health insurance premiums, and requiring that at least 80 percent of the patients' premium dollars be spent on medical care can help accomplish this goal."
Read the AMA Statement

New AMA Survey Finds Insurer Preauthorization Policies Impact Patient Care

AMA Press Release, Nov. 22, 2010
Policies that require physicians to ask permission from a patient’s insurance company before performing a treatment negatively impact patient care, according to a new survey released today by the American Medical Association (AMA). Read the AMA Press Release

Medicare Payments Fuel Endless Battles

Media Alert, Nov. 22, 2010
"Delaying the 25 percent cut to the end of 2011 will inject some stability into the Medicare program for patients and physicians and provide lawmakers with time to develop a long-term solution to the broken physician payment system," Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, president of the AMA, said in a statement.
Read the Buffalo News article

23% Medicare Cut To Physicians Threat Delayed By One Month By Senate

Media Alert, Nov. 20, 2010
"This cut could not come at a worse time, as we are now in Medicare's physician enrollment session for next year," said AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD.
Read the Medical News Today article

Senate Tries to Protect Doctors from Medicare Rate Cuts

Media Alert, Nov. 18, 2010
The American Medical Association has said that if the cut is enacted, doctors may have to stop accepting Medicare patients. The AMA wants the rate cut blocked for 13 months because it is scheduled to widen to 25% next year.
Read the CNN Money article

Senate Acts to Delay Medicare Cut for One Month

AMA Statement, Nov. 18, 2010
Twelve-month action needed when Congress returns after Thanksgiving.
Read the AMA Statement

Manatee Doctors Battle Latest Medicare Threat

Media Alert, Nov. 18, 2010
The latest Medicare reimbursement cut is poised to take effect Dec. 1, with another 2 percent cut scheduled for January, unless Congress acts.
Read the article from the Bradenton Herald

Doctors worry looming Medicare cuts could lead to lack of care

Media Alert, Nov. 17, 2010
The American Medical Association urges citizens who oppose the cuts to call their Senators and Representatives using the Association's toll-free Grassroots hotline at (800) 833-6354.
Read the article from News 13

Seniors push West Michigan congressmen to kill plan to reduce Medicare funding

Media Alert, Nov. 17, 2010
Physicians and medical groups have called for a permanent fix to avoid the need for reprieves. The American Medical Association wants a 13-month extension.
Read The Grand Rapids Press Article

AMA Urges Smokers To Ask Their Doctor For Help Quitting

AMA Statement, Nov. 18, 2010
Today marks the 35th annual Great American Smokeout and the AMA urges smokers to ask their physician for help to quit smoking.
Read the AMA Statement

Congress Should Act Fast on Medicare Pay

Media Alert, Nov. 16, 2010
"Everyone in Congress knows that this cut will cause problems for seniors, and the AMA is working to turn that concern into action before time runs out this month," AMA President Cecil Wilson said in a statement.
Read the article from CNN Money

Medicare Rate Cuts Would Be Disastrous Here

Media Alert, Nov. 16, 2010
Medicare now pays only about half the direct cost of running a practice, the president of the American Medical Association, Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, told the Washington Post.
Read the article from the Bradenton Herald

Stop Looming Medicare Cuts To Physician, AMA Urges Congress

Media Alert, Nov. 15, 2010
The AMA urges Congress to preserve health care for seniors by blocking a sizable Medicare cut to doctors. If nothing is done by Dec. 1, doctors will be receiving 25% less from Medicare, which will have negative repercussions for the elderly health care. Read the article from Medical News Today

As Congress Returns -- AMA Urges Congress To Stop Medicare Cut This Month To Preserve Seniors' Health Care

AMA Press Release, Nov. 15, 2010
As Congress reconvenes for its "lame-duck" legislative session today, the American Medical Association (AMA) is urging Congress to make preserving seniors' health care a top priority by stopping a steep Medicare cut to physicians.
Read the AMA Press Release

Ask Congress to halt physicians' Medicare cut

Media Alert, Nov. 14, 2010
Letter to the editor from AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, M.D.: Florida's seniors and military families are at risk of reduced access to physician care in less than three weeks because of a steep Medicare cut scheduled for physicians. If Congress does not take immediate action, a 25 percent cut to physicians caring for Florida's 3 million Medicare patients and 680,000 TRICARE patients will begin on Dec. 1.
Read the Orlando Sentinel Article

System needs to change to increase access to doctors, reduce costs

Media Alert, Nov. 14, 2010
Letter to the editor from AMA Immediate Past President J. James Rohack, M.D.: The American Medical Association is committed to working with the new Congress on proven reforms as well as innovative measures to improve our medical liability system.
Read the Boston Globe Article

Podcast: AMA Trying to Avoid Medicare 'Disaster'

Media Alert, Nov. 12, 2010
In part one of a three-part podcast, Cecil B. Wilson, president of the AMA, discusses "the catastrophe" of these pending Medicare cuts facing the nation's physicians, the impact on practices nationwide, and the potential "disaster" to the program through continued legislative delays. Listen to the podcast from Physicians Practice

Doctors brace for possible 23% cut in Medicare payments

Media Alert, Nov. 12, 2010
The American Medical Association is calling for a 13-month reprieve that would give Congress time to work on a new payment system; the administration supports that approach.
Read the USA Today Article

Physicians, military officers call on Congress to protect military healthcare

Media Alert, Nov. 11, 2010
With Medicare and TRICARE physician payment cuts of 25 percent looming, the American Medical Association and the Military Officers Association of America are calling on Congress to protect healthcare for military families and seniors.
Read the Article in Healthcare Finance News

AMA: Patients and physicians call on Congress to stop Medicare cut

Media Alert, Nov. 11, 2010
A steep Medicare cut on December 1 threatens seniors' health care, and AMA President Dr. Cecil Wilson writes at leading physician blog, KevinMD.com, about how patients and physicians can get involved in the campaign to get Congress to act this month to stop the cut.
Read the KevinMD.com Column

AMA Establishes New Principles for Accountable Care Organizations

AMA Press Release, Nov. 11, 2010
New principles for the development and operation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) became American Medical Association (AMA) policy this week at the organization's semi-annual policy-making meeting.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA's Award-Winning Newspaper Opens Online News Archive

AMA Press Release, Nov. 11, 2010
American Medical News, the award-winning newspaper published by the American Medical Association (AMA), announced today it is offering unrestricted access to its online news archive at www.amednews.com.
Read the AMA Press Release

Doctors Urge Congress to Halt Medicare Pay Cuts

Media Alert, Nov. 10, 2010
The American Medical Association unleashed its latest salvo on Monday in its campaign against cuts in Medicare payments to doctors with a survey that finds overwhelming concern among Americans.
Read the New York Times Article

Physicians and Military Officers to Congress: In Honor of Veterans Day, Protect Military Health Care

AMA Press Release, Nov. 10, 2010
AMA and Military Officers Association of America call on Congress to act immediately to protect health care for military families and seniors.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Adopts New Policies at its Semi-Annual Policy Making Meeting

AMA Press Release, Nov. 9, 2010
The American Medical Association (AMA), the nation's largest physician group, voted today at its semi-annual policy making meeting to adopt the following new policies. Read the AMA Press Release

Doctors renew push to delay Medicare fee cuts

Media Alert, Nov. 9, 2010
“The cracks in the system are widening," Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, the AMA president, said Monday, warning that increasing numbers of doctors were being forced to scale back their care for Medicare beneficiaries. Read the LA Times Article

Looming Medicare cuts "catastrophic" for seniors

Media Alert, Nov. 8, 2010
Looming cuts in Medicare payments to doctors could cause a “catastrophic” drop in health care services to seniors unless Congress approves a 13-month, $15.4 billion temporary fix this month, the president of the American Medical Association said Monday in San Diego. Read the San Diego Union-Tribune Article

AMA Chief Says Medicare Cuts Will Be Catastrophic

Media Alert, Nov. 8, 2010
Dr. Cecil Wilson of the American Medical Association says Medicare payments will drop by more than 20 percent by January unless Congress takes quick action. Read the New York Times Article

New AMA Policy Helps Guide Physicians’ Use of Social Media

AMA Press Release, Nov. 8, 2010
New policy adopted today by the American Medical Association (AMA) aims at helping physicians to maintain a positive online presence and preserve the integrity of the patient-physician relationship.
Read the AMA Press Release

Americans Want Congress to Stop the Medicare Physician Cut That Hurts Seniors

AMA Press Release, Nov. 8, 2010
New AMA poll released at national physician meeting as steep cut looms December 1; New national ad published today Read the AMA Press Release

Health Care Changes Loom For Seniors, Military

Media Alert, Nov. 8, 2010
Dr. Cecil Wilson, president of the AMA, is urging Congress to block a 23 percent cut to Medicare payments scheduled to take effect December 1. Wilson is calling on all doctors and patients to contact their local representative and encourage Congress to stop the cuts before lawmakers leave for their Thanksgiving recess.
Read the article and watch the video from KGTV (San Diego)

AMA Chief Says Medicare Cuts Will Be Catastrophic

AMA Honors Busharat Ahmad, M.D. With Benjamin Rush Award

AMA Press Release, Nov. 6, 2010
Ophthalmologist recognized for charitable health care in Detroit.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Honors David Chadwick, M.D. With Scientific Achievement Award

AMA Press Release, Nov. 6, 2010
San Diego pediatrician recognized as a pioneer in child abuse medicine.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Honors Virginia Physician With Distinguished Service Award

AMA Press Release, Nov. 6, 2010
The AMA presented Ralph W. Hale, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist from Oak Hill, Va., with its 2010 Distinguished Service Award. Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Honors Philadelphia Physician With Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award

AMA Press Release, Nov. 6, 2010
The AMA presented John Tooker, M.D., M.B.A., MACP, an internist in Philadelphia, Pa., with its 2010 Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Honors Robert Klinglesmith With Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award

AMA Press Release, Nov. 6, 2010
Kentucky Medical Association employee served KY physicians for more than 38 years.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Meeting to Shape National Advocacy Agenda

Media Alert, Nov. 5, 2010
The nation's broadest democratic assembly of physicians will gather in San Diego this Saturday to shape the health care agenda of the American Medical Association, the country's largest physician organization.
Read the article from Medical News Today

Michael Maves, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President and CEO, to Leave the AMA on June 30, 2011

AMA Press Release, Nov. 4, 2010
The Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association (AMA) and Michael Maves, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Chief Executive Officer, have mutually decided that Dr. Maves will complete his successful leadership of the AMA when his current contract ends on June 30, 2011. Dr. Maves has served in this role since 2001. Read more

Lame Duck Congress: Lots To Do, Little Time

Media Alert, Nov. 4, 2010
The American Medical Association is urging Congress to pass a 13-month "patch" to avert the cuts.
Read the MSNBC article

CMS Posts Final Payment Rules for Physicians and Outpatient Care in 2011

Media Alert, Nov. 3, 2010
According to American Medical Association President Cecil Wilson, physician payments will be cut by 25 percent under the new rules if Congress does not take action this month.
Read the California Healthline article

Tool Measures Patient Satisfaction

Media Alert, Nov. 2, 2010
The American Medical Association has collaborated with health data analysis and benchmarking firm Press Ganey Associates Inc. to develop Web software to help physicians measure the satisfaction of their patients.
Read the article from Health Data Management

Medicare Final Rule Confirms Deep Cut, Congress Must Act This Month

AMA Statement, Nov. 2, 2010
"Medicare's final rule makes it official: Without congressional action, physician payments will be slashed 25 percent with the first cut of 23 percent beginning December 1."
Read the AMA Statement

AMA Urges Congress to Take Action to Stabilize Medicare Payments

Media Alert, Nov.1, 2010
Cecil B. Wilson, MD, president of the American Medical Association (AMA), today urged Congress to take action to stabilize Medicare payments to physicians for the next 13 months.
Read the Media Articles

November Is Heal That Claim Month

AMA Press Release, Nov. 1, 2010
The AMA has designated November as Heal that Claim™ month and is supplying physicians with tools to fight flawed and inefficient claims processing by health insurers.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA Teams With Press Ganey to Help Physicians Get Valid Patient Feedback

AMA Press Release, Oct. 27, 2010
New electronic tool measures patient satisfaction to enhance care and lower physician costs
Read the AMA Press Release

Medical malpractice immunity from clinical practice guidelines

Media Alert, Oct. 26, 2010
Ezra Klein calls Peter Orszag's proposal in a recent New York Times column a "new idea on medical malpractice reform." The idea of immunizing doctors who follow strict clinical practice guidelines was floated by the AMA back in May of 2009.
Read the KevinMD.com Column

On KevinMD.com: AMA Makes Physician Health a Priority

Media Alert, Oct. 21, 2010
Physicians often put their own health last. On the heels of the International Conference on Physician Health, AMA President Dr. Cecil Wilson discusses at KevinMD.com the importance of staying healthy, both physically and mentally, so that physicians are in the best condition to care for patients.
Read the KevinMD.com column

AMA Disaster Medicine Journal Publishes First Comprehensive Look at U.S. Ventilator Supply

AMA Press Release, Oct. 14, 2010
AMA journal study finds more pediatric and neonatal capable ventilators than expected.
Read the AMA Press Release

AMA to Post-Gazette: Help for solo physicians

Letter to the Editor, Oct. 9, 2010
As illustrated in your profile of local physicians in solo practice ("Some Physicians Prefer the Autonomy, Reduced Load of Independent Practices," Oct. 3), patients benefit when physicians practice in a model they find professionally and personally rewarding. Read Dr. Wilson's Letter

Baptist Health in an Arkansas State of Denial

Media Alert, Oct. 7, 2010
Arkansas's highest court opinion ruled on September 30 that Baptist Health couldn't deny physicians' privileges if they are financially invested in a competitor. Read the HealthLeaders Media article

Physicians Prevail in Arkansas Conflict of Interest Case

Media Alert, Oct. 6, 2010
The Supreme Court of Arkansas has sided with physicians who argued that Baptist Health acted improperly when it denied them staff privileges because they owned shares in a competing hospital.
Read the article from Health Leaders Media

AMA Responds to IOM Report on Future of Nursing

AMA Statement, Oct. 5, 2010
Physician-led team approach to care helps ensure high quality patient care and value for health care spending.
Read the AMA Press Release

Docs Push Back Against Drive to Expand Role of Nurses

Media Alert, Oct. 5, 2010
Defending its turf, the American Medical Association (AMA) on Tuesday pushed back against a new report recommending a broader role for nurses in provider settings.
Read the article from The Hill

More New York Doctors Shun Low Reimbursement Rates, Drop Medicare; Patients Left Frustrated

Media Alert, Oct. 5, 2010
A growing number of doctors are opting out of Medicare or restricting the number of Medicare patients they’ll treat because they deem reimbursement rates too low.
Read the New York Daily News article

AMA Calls on Government to Remove Legal Barriers to Ensure Success of Health Reform

AMA Press Release, Oct. 5, 2010
Changes to current government rules must be made for physicians to fully participate in the models of patient care being tested under the new health care law, AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, M.D. will today tell government officials.
Read the AMA Press Release

With AMA-UnitedHealth settlement approved, deadline for claims is Tuesday

Media Alert, Oct. 4, 2010
A New York has granted final approval to a $350 million settlement between the American Medical Association and the UnitedHealth Group, giving doctors just one day file claims to share in the fund.
Read the Healthcare Finance News article

Medical Education Innovation Is Needed To Improve Health Care

Media Alert, Oct. 4, 2010
Blog post by AMA Immediate Past-President J. James Rohack, MD, on the recent New Horizons in Medical Education conference and the future of medical education moving forward. Read the Health Affairs blog

AMA Welcomes Arkansas High Court Decision to Uphold Physician Legal Victory Against Baptist Health

AMA Statement, Sept. 30, 2010
"Today’s ruling by the Arkansas Supreme Court validates last year’s key legal victory that found Baptist Health, Arkansas’ largest hospital system, acted improperly by inappropriately restricting hospital admitting privileges and interfering with the patient-physician relationship." Read more

AMA Unites Organized Medicine in Successful Defense of Maryland's Cap on Jury Awards

AMA Statement, Sept. 27, 2010
"The decision by Maryland’s top court to again reject a constitutional challenge to the state’s cap on non-economic damages is another validation of this proven legal reform." Read the statement by AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD

AMA Offers New Online Tool for Physician Practices

AMA Press Release, Sept. 21, 2010
AMA PATH helps physicians create a fee schedule and prepares practices for billing audits. Read more about this new tool

Preparing Physicians to Care for Patients in the 21st Century

AMA Press Release, Sept. 16, 2010
One hundred years after landmark medical education report, AMA and AAMC convene historic conference to explore the future of physician education and training. Read more

AMA Urges Pregnant Women to Get Flu Vaccine

AMA Press Release, Sept. 15, 2010
Pregnant women at high-risk for serious complications from influenza. Read more

AMA Supports New American Lung Association Report Showing Economic Benefits of Smoking Cessation Programs

AMA Statement, Sept. 14, 2010
Encourages states to implement evidence-based smoking cessation programs. Read more

Upcoming Seminars for Physicians on New Payment Models

AMA Press Release, Sept. 13, 2010
Next seminar in New York City Tuesday, Sept. 28—still time to register. Read more

International Conference on Physician Health Aims to Help Physicians Find Work-Life Balance

AMA Press Release, Sept. 9, 2010
Conference takes place Oct. 3-5 in Chicago and is sponsored by the American Medical Association, British Medical Association and Canadian Medical Association. Read more

AMA Supports National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

AMA Press Release, Sept. 2, 2010
Reiterates the importance of getting all family members involved in making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity. Read more

AMA, 90 Medical Organizations Oppose Tax Changes That Encourage More Lawsuits

AMA Press Release, Sept. 2, 2010
The organizations oppose a policy under consideration that would allow trial attorneys nationwide to deduct litigation expenses from their taxes in certain cases. Read more

AMA Pleased with CMS' Medicare Tobacco Cessation Counseling Expansion

AMA Statement, Aug. 26, 2010
"The American Medical Association (AMA) applauds the decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand Medicare coverage of counseling to help patients stop smoking." Read more

AMA Condemns Killing of Medical Professionals in Afghanistan, Calls for Medical Neutrality

AMA Statement, Aug. 13, 2010
The American Medical Association (AMA) condemns the killing of a team of medical professionals in Badakhshan province, Afghanistan. Read more

Medicare Trustees' Report Reminder That Steep Medicare Physician Cuts Are Around the Corner

AMA Statement, Aug. 5, 2010
Congress must act soon before seniors' health care is hurt. Read more

New AMA Report Finds 95 Medical Liability Claims Filed for Every 100 Physicians

AMA Press Release, Aug. 3, 2010
Findings bolster AMA call for federal and state medical liability reform. Read more

Medicare Turns 45, AMA Calls for Congress to Fix Physician Payment Problem

AMA Statement, July 30, 2010
"On today’s 45th anniversary of Medicare, the AMA reminds Congress that action is desperately needed to keep Medicare strong for America’s seniors now and in the future." Read more

New AMA and MGMA Toolkit Assists in Practice Management System Software Selection

AMA Press Release, July 27, 2010
To assist physicians in selecting the most appropriate software to run their practices, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) developed a new online toolkit, available today. Read more

AMA Pleased With Improvements to EHR Meaningful Use Requirements, But Challenges Remain to Widespread Adoption

AMA Press Release, July 21, 2010
After careful review of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule on meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs), the American Medical Association today says that improvements have been made, but barriers to adoption and implementation remain. Read more

AMA Helps Physicians Optimize Patient Safety and Quality

AMA Press Release, July 20, 2010
To help physicians optimize the quality and safety of patient care, the American Medical Association released two new reports today focused on these important health care issues. Read more

AMA and State Medical Societies Call on Insurers to Publicly Document the Accuracy of Physician Cost Profiling

AMA Press Release, July 19, 2010
Studies show patients are getting error-filled physician profiles from health insurers. Read more

New Physician Survey Finds Medicare Payment Change Hurts Care Coordination Efforts

AMA Press Release, July 16, 2010
The elimination of Medicare’s consultation codes has had a negative impact on physician efforts to improve care coordination and reduced the treatment options available to Medicare patients, according to a new survey released today by medical specialty societies and the American Medical Association (AMA). Read more

AMA Looks for Flexibility for Physicians in EHR Meaningful Use

AMA Press Release, July 13, 2010
Today CMS released its final rule outlining the meaningful use requirements for physicians using electronic health records (EHRs). The AMA will carefully review the rule to see if the requirements have been reduced to allow more flexibility than the proposed rule, as AMA urged. Read the Press Release

Congress Fails Seniors; 21 Percent Medicare Cut in Effect Today

AMA Press Release, June 18, 2010
Today, Medicare begins processing physician payments with the drastic 21 percent cut that Congress failed to stop, and now seniors and physicians are paying the price of Congress’ Medicare mismanagement. Read more

Senate Fiddles as Medicare Burns

AMA Statement, June 17, 2010
Senate proposes six-month delay as Medicare claims hold expires and Medicare meltdown begins. Read more

AMA Announces Board of Trustees for 2010-2011

AMA Press Release, June 16, 2010
The American Medical Association today introduced the 21 members of its Board of Trustees for the coming year following elections held during the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Chicago. Read more

Florida Physician Cecil Wilson New AMA President

AMA Press Release, June 15, 2010
Cecil B. Wilson, MD, an internist from Winter Park, Florida was inaugurated today as the 165th president of the American Medical Association at its Annual Meeting. Read more

AMA Adopts New Policies During Final Day of Annual Meeting

AMA Press Release, June 15, 2010
The AMA, the nation’s largest physician group, voted today at its Annual Meeting to adopt the following new scientific policies. Read more

Pennsylvania Physician, Carl A. Sirio, MD, Newly Elected to AMA Board of Trustees

AMA Press Release, June 15, 2010
Carl A. Sirio, MD, a critical care physician and internist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was elected today as a new member of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association (AMA). Read more

New Mexico Physician Barbara McAneny Newly Elected to the AMA Board of Trustees

AMA Press Release, June 15, 2010
Barbara L. McAneny, MD, a practicing oncologist, was elected today as the newest member of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association (AMA). Read more

New York and New Jersey Physician Peter W. Carmel Named AMA President-Elect

AMA Press Release, June 15, 2010
Peter W. Carmel, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon from Manhattan, New York, with a practice in Newark, New Jersey, was named president-elect of the AMA. Read more

Philadelphia Physician Stephen Permut Newly Elected to AMA Board of Trustees

AMA Press Release, June 15, 2010
Stephen R. Permut, MD, JD, a family medicine physician in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was elected today as a new member of the Board of Trustees of the AMA. Read more

AMA: Electronic Cigarettes Are Drug Delivery Devices and Should Be Subject to FDA Regulations

AMA Press Release, June 14, 2010
New policy adopted today by the American Medical Association (AMA) recommends that electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) be classified as drug delivery devices, subject to the same FDA regulations as all other drug delivery devices. Read more

AMA Adopts New Public Health Policies at Annual Meeting

AMA Press Release, June 14, 2010
he American Medical Association (AMA) voted today at its Annual Meeting to adopt new public health policies. Read more

AMA Works to Strengthen the Physician Workforce to Meet the Nation's Health Care Needs

AMA Press Release, June 14, 2010
U.S. faces a shortage of between 124,000 and 159,000 physicians by 2025. Read more

FTC Chairman Announces New Antitrust Workshop to Help Physicians

AMA Press Release, June 14, 2010
Speaks at AMA Annual Meeting. Read more

New AMA Health Insurer Report Card Finds Need For More Accuracy

AMA Press Release, June 14, 2010
Eliminating health insurer errors could amount to $15.5 billion in savings. Read more

AMA medical students promote healthier lifestyles at Lincoln Park Zoo

AMA Press Release, June 12, 2010
As part of the AMA's 2010 Annual Meeting, AMA medical student leaders help adults and children live healthier. Read more

AMA-Supported Federal Medical Liability Grants Move Forward

AMA Press Release, June 11, 2010
AMA to assist state medical societies with demonstration project implementation. Read more

New AMA Member Resource on Evolving Models of Patient Care

AMA Press Release, June 10, 2010
AMA committed to helping physicians participate in new payment and delivery pathways. Read more

AMA: Antibiotic Resistance a Major Public Health Problem

AMA Press Release, June 9, 2010
AMA outlines multi-faceted approach to combat antibiotic resistance in testimony to Congress. Read more

President Obama Calls on Congress to Act Quickly to Stop Medicare Cut

AMA Press Release, June 8, 2010
Recommits to permanent Medicare physician payment reform in a tele-town hall with seniors. Read more

AMA president unveils new multi-million dollar ad campaign, survey findings

AMA Press Release, June 3, 2010
AMA President J. James Rohack, MD, unveiled a multi-million dollar AMA ad campaign urging Americans to call their senators to help avoid a Medicare meltdown. Read more

Medicare Meltdown Looming as Steep Medicare Cut Begins Today

AMA Press Release, June 1, 2010
AMA president to unveil new multi-million dollar ad campaign, survey findings to media on June 3. Read more

AMA Applauds FTC Delay of Red Flags Rule

AMA Statement, May 28, 2010
"The American Medical Association (AMA) is pleased that Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced today they are delaying the compliance deadline for the red flags rule until the end of this year." Read more

Senate Turns Its Back on Seniors and Military Families

AMA Statement, May 27, 2010
Senators leave for vacation, allowing Medicare meltdown to begin June 1. Read more

AMA Urges Insurers to Adopt New Code of Conduct

AMA Press Release, May 24, 2010
Ten principles help ensure greater transparency and accountability from health insurers. Read more

Physicians File Lawsuit on FTC's Red Flags Rule

AMA Press Release, May 21, 2010
AMA-led lawsuit seeks relief from unlawful enforcement of misguided federal regulation. Read more

AMA Comments on Pending Medicare Proposal

AMA Press Release, May 20, 2010
Short-term intervention to delay a looming Medicare physician payment cut provides temporary reprieve, but a permanent solution is still needed. Read more

AMA Announces Support for Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act

AMA Press Release, May 13, 2010
Nation's largest physician organization says patients deserve to know who is providing their care Read more

AMA Applauds First Lady's Report Outlining Tactics to Solve Childhood Obesity Epidemic

AMA Statement, May 11, 2010
The AMA applauds First Lady Michelle Obama and the Interagency Childhood Obesity Task Force for their report on how to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity. Read more

New AMA Ad Urges Congress to Fix the Medicare Physician Payment Formula

AMA Press Release, May 10, 2010
As the June 1 deadline for action on Medicare physician payment nears, the American Medical Association (AMA) unveiled a new print ad today aimed directly at lawmakers. Read more

AMA Comments on CDC's Tobacco Control State Highlights Report

AMA Statement, April 23, 2010
Progress has been made, but the U.S. can do more to curb tobacco use. Read more

AMA Offers Physicians Help Claiming Damages From UnitedHealth Settlement

AMA Press Release, April 21, 2010
More than $350 million available to physicians and patients. Read more

AMA Welcomes Nomination of Donald Berwick, M.D., as CMS Administrator

AMA Press Release, April 19, 2010
"We welcome President Obama’s nomination of Dr. Donald Berwick to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). He is widely known and well-respected for his visionary leadership efforts that focus on optimizing the quality and safety of patient care in hospitals and across health-care settings. Read more

Congress Delays Medicare Physician Payment Cut Again to June 1

AMA Statement, April 16, 2010
Permanent repeal of Medicare Physician Payment Formula urgently needed to ensure access to care for seniors. Read more

AMA Contributes to CDC's New Online Tool to Address Gaps in Preventive Health Services

AMA Statement, April 7, 2010
Recent AMA, AARP, CDC study finds adults 50-64 underuse health screenings and immunizations Read more

AMA Welcomes Groundbreaking Court Decision Reining in Gene Patents

AMA Statement, March 30, 2010
"The recent Federal Circuit court decision to invalidate patents on genes linked to breast cancer is a clear legal victory that prevents overly broad medical patents from harming patients’ access to care." Read more

On National Doctors' Day AMA Highlights Services for Physicians

AMA Press Release, March 30, 2010
March 30 day to honor physicians who dedicate their lives to providing high-quality care. Read more

New Study Finds H1N1 Affected Emergency Department Workers More Than Any Other Hospital Employee

AMA Press Release, March 30, 2010
Findings published in AMA’s new and improved Disaster Preparedness Journal. Read more

AMA New Publisher and Distributor of AMA Disaster Medicine Journal

AMA Press Release, March 30, 2010
New journal study finds H1N1 affected ED personnel more than any other hospital worker. Read more

Congressional Inaction Means Seniors, Military Face Health Care Threat April 1

AMA Statement, March 26, 2010
21 percent cut to physicians who treat Medicare patients starts in days Read more

AMA - Congress Approves Changes to Historic Health System Reform

AMA Press Release, March 25, 2010
AMA will work with Congress and the administration to make critical changes that could not be addressed through the reconciliation process Read more

Georgia Patients' Access to Care at Risk as Medical Liability Cap Overruled

AMA Statement, March 22, 2010
"Today’s court ruling to strike down proven medical liability reform in Georgia is a step backward for the state’s patients and physicians as Georgia once again allows a broken legal system to jeopardize access to health care." Read more

AMA: Historic House Passage of Health System Reform Important Step Forward

AMA Statement, March 21, 2010
AMA will work with Congress and the administration to make critical changes that cannot be addressed through the reconciliation process. Read more

AMA Supports House Passage of Health System Reform

AMA Press Release, March 19, 2010
Will work with Congress and the administration to make critical changes that cannot be addressed through the reconciliation process. Read the press release

Physician-Led Initiative to Improve Health Care Quality Marks 10-Year Anniversary

AMA Press Release, March 18, 2010
As the nation focuses on quality and cost of health care, AMA-convened PCPI celebrates milestone and looks to the future. Read more

AMA President Calls on Insurers to Abandon Flawed Physician Rating Programs

AMA Statement, March 17, 2010
RAND study confirms patients getting inaccurate information on physicians. Read more

AMA Launches New Tool to Help Physicians Correct Unfair Managed Care Contracts Nationwide

AMA Press Release, March 16, 2010
Physicians seeking a reasonable alternative to the one-sided contracts offered by some managed care organizations can now rely on a new AMA online resource. Read more

AMA Releases New Older Driver Safety Guide

AMA Press Release, March 15, 2010
To help protect the lives of older drivers and make our roads safer, the AMA released a new Physician's Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers. Read more

AMA Comments on CMS Proposed Rule on Meaningful Use of EHR

AMA Press Release, March 15, 2010
Proposed criteria for meaningful use makes it too difficult for physicians to successfully participate. Read more

AMA Celebrates 2010 National Patient Safety Awareness Week

AMA Press Release, March 8, 2010
To help mark the importance of National Patient Safety Awareness Week (NPSAW) the AMA is focusing on medication safety with its annual "Know What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet" reminder and a new online resource for patients to help facilitate open conversation with physicians about medications. Read more

AMA Letter to Senate: Repeal Medicare Payment Formula This Month

AMA Press Release, March 5, 2010
In a letter to the U.S. Senate, AMA President J. James Rohack, M.D. called on the senators to use this one month delay of the 21 percent Medicare payment cut as time to permanently repeal the broken Medicare physician payment formula. Read more

AMA and Ingenix Working Together to Help Physicians Adopt and Implement Electronic Health Records

AMA Press Release, March 4, 2010
Ingenix and the American Medical Association (AMA) are working together to help physicians use health IT systems to enhance patient care, simplify administration and improve clinical efficiency. Read more

U.S. Senate Delays Medicare Physician Cut for One Month

AMA Press Release, March 3, 2010
On March 2nd, the U.S. Senate voted yet again to delay the 21 percent Medicare physician payment cut for one month, postponing it until April 1. The Senate should use this time to permanently repeal the flawed Medicare physician payment formula that puts access to care for seniors and military families at risk. Read more

AMA on President Obama's New Health System Reform Proposal

AMA Press Release, March 3, 2010
As we reach the final stage of health system reform, the AMA is pleased that President Obama has offered some additional proposals, including expanding medical liability reforms, raising Medicaid payment rates to improve access to care for vulnerable patients and expanding the availability of health savings accounts. Read more

AMA Salutes Government Officials for Dedication to Health Care with Top Award

AMA Press Release, March 2, 2010
The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced the nine recipients of the 2010 Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service – the highest award for elected officials and government employees from the nation’s largest physician organization. Read more

AMA: Physicians Outraged by Today's Steep Medicare Cut

AMA Press Release, March 1, 2010
U.S. Senate allows cut to begin, seniors' access to health care now at risk. Read more

New AMA Platform Will Include One-Stop Shop for EMR and Information Exchange for Physicians Nationwide

AMA Press Release, March 1, 2010
The AMA and Dell announced that they are collaborating to help physicians adopt useful health information technology such as electronic medical records (EMR), ePrescribing, and laboratory services through the AMA’s new health information solutions platform for physicians, which will launch nationally later this year. Read more

AMA Tells President, Congress: Focus on Key Health Reform Elements

AMA Press Release, Feb. 24, 2010
Calls for breaking partisan barriers to do what's best for patients and physicians. Read more

AMA To President Obama And Summit Attendees: Medical Liability Reform Essential To Curbing Health Costs

AMA Press Release, Feb. 24, 2010
The AMA joined with more than 75 medical specialty societies to urge summit attendees to effectively address the broken medical liability system as part of health system reform. Read more

AMA Study Shows Competition Disappearing in the Health Insurance Industry

AMA Press Release, Feb. 23, 2010
Competition in the health insurance industry is disappearing with more markets across the country dominated by one or two insurers, according to the American Medical Association’s newly released edition of Competition in Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Study of U.S. Markets. Read more

AMA to Congress: One Week Left to Act on Medicare Physician Payment

AMA Press Release, Feb. 22, 2010
Seniors, military families, baby boomers need a permanent solution to ensure stability of their health care. Read more

Make Your Opinions Heard on Health IT

AMA Statement, Feb. 22, 2010
The eHealth Initiative is in the final stages of collecting responses for its survey to gauge perceptions about the advancement of health information technology (HIT). Read more

AMA Joins First Lady in Fight Against Childhood Obesity

AMA Statement, Feb. 9, 2010
"The American Medical Association is pleased to support First Lady Michelle Obama in the Let’s Move Campaign." Read more

AMA: Illinois Health Care Access Threatened by Court Decision

AMA Statement, Feb. 4, 2010
"For the second time in 13 years, an Illinois court has superseded the will of the people and usurped the legislative prerogatives of the Illinois General Assembly by overruling the state’s cap on noneconomic damages in medical liability cases." Read more

AMA Launches New Web Site to Help Physicians Volunteer in Haiti

AMA Press Release, Feb. 2, 2010
Physician volunteers needed to support Haiti relief efforts—sign up today. Read more

Senate Vote On Passage: H. J. Res. 45: Increasing the statutory limit on the public debt

Media Alert, Jan. 29, 2010
Today the Senate passed H.J. Res. 45, a resolution to raise the federal debt limit. Included in the Resolution was a provision that reinstitutes PAYGO rules for new spending. Read more

Health Professionals Petition FTC for Relief from Red Flags Rule

AMA Press Release, Jan. 29, 2010
In light of a recent federal court decision, four national organizations representing dentists, physicians and veterinarians called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today to exclude health professionals from controversial new regulation intended to combat identity theft. Read more

Upcoming Events

National Advocacy Conference
Feb. 8-10, 2011; Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C.

2011 House of Delegates Annual Meeting
June 18-22, 2011; Hyatt Regency Chicago