AMA stresses need for quality assurance in Medicare revamp

Article Abstract:

The AMA advocates giving Medicare patients more options if Congress passes a proposed law providing vouchers to pay for private medical treatment in managed care plans. Quality standards for health maintenance organizations, for instance, must specify patient rights to fair treatment and access to physicians, both for primary care and specialty services, and physicians should participate in setting policy. Opinions about the bill were aired at a hearing before the House subcommittee on Health of the Ways and Means Committee.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Health Programs, Care and treatment, Aged, Elderly, Standards, Laws, regulations and rules, Social policy, Public health, Managed care plans (Medical care), Health maintenance organizations, Legislators, Medicare

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Challenging hospitals' exclusive contracts: FTC says physician complaints raised anticompetition question

Article Abstract:

The Federal Trade Commission is looking into several types of health care exclusivity arrangements, such as some hospitals' practice of negotiating contracts with favored physicians without open bidding. The Commission also continues to investigate the practice of physician referrals to a treatment facility or pharmacy in which the physician holds financial interest. In addition, the Commission is looking into bid rigging and price fixing in the pharmaceutical industry.

Hospitals, Investigations

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AMA seeks approval for collective bargaining by doctors

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Association (AMA) has petitioned the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ease antitrust regulation of physicians by allowing collective bargaining with third-party providers and increased self-regulation. The AMA maintains that collective bargaining would serve the interests of the patient by providing the best quality, access and cost. Currently, the FTC allows only independent practice associations and large group practices to bargain collectively.

Accident and health insurance, Antitrust law, Economic policy, Political aspects, Health insurance industry

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