March 21, 2010
Remarks of ASA President Alexander Hannenberg, M.D. on
the Final House Health Reform Votes
Like many physicians around the country, I am concerned and disappointed by
the outcome of this evening's House votes on health care reform. As part of its
reform efforts, Congress had an historic opportunity to affirm and strengthen
the role of physicians in our nations' health system. Indeed, a year ago, like
many of you, I was excited at the prospect of enacting historic legislation that
would control egregious behavior of insurers, provide coverage to the uninsured
and strengthen the foundation of the American medical profession. The passage of
these bills represents an opportunity that was missed.
Instead of helping physicians and our patients, the enactment of these bills
will represent a continued and pervasive threat to the viability of medical
practices throughout the country and to physicians’ ability to deliver needed
care to the sick and injured.
Lawmakers were tragically misguided in promising to expand health coverage to
millions while simultaneously crippling the medical practices that will be
expected to absorb this demand for care.
Understandably, I have already begun to hear from members of our Society who
have concerns about the impact of these bills on their practices. I believe
those concerns are justified.
Accordingly, I have already directed our Washington, D.C. office to begin
work immediately to address those issues we have previously identified as
putting Congress and the Obama Administration at odds with our efforts to
provide safe and effective health care services. I am encouraged in this effort
knowing that we will be joined in this critically important initiative by many
of our colleagues in other surgical specialties -- 22 of whom joined us as part
of a strong surgical coalition in opposing the Senate bill. I am also encouraged
by the recognition that many of the just-passed legislation’s provisions do not
take effect until 2012 and 2014 thus creating opportunities for corrective
action. We expect to take every advantage of those opportunities. Be assured
efforts to protect the interests of our specialty and our patients will not
cease because of “final” Congressional votes.
I ask my colleagues to join me in the days, weeks and months ahead to do the
work necessary to advance the well-being of our specialty. As we demonstrated
through our leadership within the medical community in working to successfully
halt the proliferation of Medicare payment rates, our specialty’s voice can be
effective when it is unified. I hope all members of our specialty will fully
engage in the legislative, regulatory and political battles ahead. We will have
a superb opportunity to articulate the need for correction to members of
Congress during the upcoming ASA Legislative Conference in Washington on April
26-28. Please continue to monitor the ASA website and your email for additional
information about the implementation of this legislation and future ASA “Calls
to Action.”
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South Carolina
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES