Surgeons to discuss on healthcare issues at JSAC

On Tuesday, March 29, 2011, hundreds of surgeons from across the country will join together to speak with one voice to their federal legislators. As part of the fourth annual Joint Surgical Advocacy Conference (JSAC), approximately 70 otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons representing over 30 states will meet with their U.S. Representatives, Senators, and their staff to encourage Congressional action on several of the specialty's legislative priorities for 2011.

Some of the issues to be discussed include:

• Passage of proven, comprehensive medical liability reforms (H.R. 5/S. 281) to help reduce frivolous lawsuits and protect patient access to care;
• Repeal of the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) payment formula to provide predictability and stability in the management of physician practices and ensure the continued treatment of Medicare patients; and
• Enactment of legislation to increase clarity in all healthcare advertisements and protect America's consumers from misrepresentations in patient communications (H.R. 451).

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) also strongly urges Members of Congress to take immediate action to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and preserve the oversight role of Congress in developing healthcare policies.

"JSAC offers AAO-HNS members an opportunity to unite with their surgical colleagues to help advance legislation that will improve access to quality care for America's patients," stated AAO-HNS President, J. Regan Thomas, MD. "Now is a critical time for our nation's ENT physicians to speak up on behalf of their patients and their practices and help guide changes to the healthcare delivery system."