Republican doctors fight for patients' rights
Date: July 28, 1999
Time: 11:34 am
Several Republican physician members of the House of Representatives in the US Congress are fighting their own party over legislation to the rights of managed-care patients, the online version of the Washington Post reported yesterday. They do not like a bill passed by the Senate, which provided limited protections for about 48 million Americans and assured them easier access to emergency rooms and specialists, while expanding their ability to appeal payment decisions by health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
Using anecdotal evidence from their own experiences to make their point, the physicians have been pressing for stronger protection for their patients. The Democratic Party's alternative to the Senate bill would have extended the protection to all 161 million Americans enrolled in private health insurance plans, and included the right to sue their HMOs and guarantee that the only person who would decide what care is "medically necessary" would be their physician. However, the Republican Party in general has argued that tighter restrictions on HMOs would only benefit trial lawyers, drive up premiums and increase the number of uninsured Americans.
Not all the physician members of Congress agree with their colleagues, as several have chosen to back the party's position. As well, HMO lobbyists have been pushing hard to minimize the restrictions placed on their industry. But for the moment, HMO reform is on hold.
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