AOA Applauds Representative Allyson Schwartz’s Framework on Medicare Delivery and Payment Reform, Calls on Congress to Act Immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2011

A Statement from Martin S. Levine, DO, President of the American Osteopathic Association

(Washington, DC)— “On behalf of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the more than 78,000 osteopathic physicians we represent, we applaud Representative Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) for her willingness to advance policies that will preserve access to quality and timely health care for our nation’s seniors and her continued leadership on the important issues of Medicare physician payment and delivery system reform.

“The new framework put forth by Congresswoman Schwartz is consistent with the AOA’s stated goals of creating an immediate period of stability, thus preventing the adverse impact of projected cuts in Medicare physician payments as a result of the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. Furthermore, the framework includes a period of innovation in payment and delivery systems, followed by a period of study and implementation. 

“Congresswoman Schwartz’s framework is important because it not only eliminates the SGR, but it establishes incentives for physicians to transition their practices and care settings to more coordinated and integrated models, thus improving the quality of care that patients receive. The three-step approach outlined in this framework is an appropriate manner in which to address the decade-old problems associated with the SGR.

“It is our opinion that the SGR is an anchor, dragging down the Medicare program. It prohibits innovation, contributes to access issues for millions of seniors, and serves as a disincentive to physician participation in the Medicare program. For this reason, we call on Congress to act in a bipartisan manner to repeal the SGR. The framework proposed by Congresswoman Schwartz should serve as the foundation of this effort.”

About the American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association proudly represents more than 78,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) practicing in 31 specialties and subspecialties; promotes public health; encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical colleges; and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.

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