FROM THE PRESIDENT by LEWIS HARGETT , MD
Organized Medicine : Physician Participation Is Needed
The concept of organized medicine reminds me of a quote that I read in an article several years ago . The quote was , “ If we don ’ t shape it , it will be designed for us .” That quote can be applied to the practice of medicine today , regarding the advocacy for our profession and patients . If we do not participate in shaping the medical policies , procedures and laws that affect our profession , then corporations , governments and the courts will do it for us .
Through participation in organized medicine , physicians become involved in the politics of health care . Organized medicine provides us the opportunity to voice our concerns and participate in the legislative process . Increased membership participation and strong leadership in physician-led organizations will allow greater influence . This will ultimately lead in creating policies to address the concerns of physicians and patients ’ health care .
I will highlight some examples of two legal decisions , from the Kentucky legislature and the U . S . Supreme Court that have highly impacted our medical profession and discuss why increased physician involvement is needed . These two decisions are the failure of 24RS HB 317 regarding prior authorization and the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v . Wade , 410 U . S . 113 ( 1973 ). They have adversely impacted physicians ’ practice of medicine and affected the health and well-being of our patients .
These decisions have different implications . The failure of the Kentucky legislature to pass House Bill 317 regarding prior authorization has continued to cause administrative burdens for physicians and their staff . Thus , patient medical treatments continue to be delayed or denied . The repeal of Roe v . Wade has greater implications to the health care system . Patients have lost access to physicians and facilities providing medical care , putting them at risk for greater morbidity and mortality . Patients can lose access to competent medical care .
Also , in some states , physicians ’ licenses may be suspended . They may lose their medical license , be fined or even be imprisoned if they violate the laws .
For more information , refer to the full decisions .
Our physician-led organizations to include the Greater Louisville Medical Society ( GLMS ), Kentucky Medical Association ( KMA ), the National Medical Association ( NMA ) and the American Medical Association ( AMA ) are on the forefront of advocating for medical issues . We are very concerned about issues important to physicians ’ care of patients , including the regulation of medical care and access to care . There are specialty medical societies that address medical issues that are pertinent to their specialties . Increased membership participation and strong leadership in those organizations can have more influence on the policies and laws that affect the practice of medicine . Physicians should be the leaders in setting health policy . More importantly , we have the education , knowledge , training , experience and qualifications to know what is needed for our profession and patients .
There are other pertinent issues that have impacted physicians and their patients that continue to be addressed by organized medicine . These include the reduction in payment for services , gun legislation , scope of practice for non-physician providers , physician burnout , etc . Another area in need of policies includes the rights and care of the LGBTQ + community ( physicians and patients ). There is increasing concern about the dissemination of false and misinformation through social media . Certainly , in the near future , there will be a demand for more physician input to create policies for artificial intelligence in health care . These challenges , old and new , have led to a greater need for physicians to become involved in the “ politics ” of medicine . We as major stakeholders in the health care system have relevant viewpoints and can provide critical information in shaping the future of health care .
Each of us has strong opinions as to the direction of health care in this country . Therefore , participation in organized medicine provides an opportunity to interact with colleagues with similar interests , discuss topics and offer solutions . Connections are often formed when colleagues collaborate on important topics . Continuing Medical Education is available . Participation can also lead to the development or advancement of leadership skills outside of the workplace . Medical societies have updated information available on state and local medical guidelines , regulations and laws to practice medicine for review . But most importantly , involvement in organized medicine allows physicians to advocate for critical health care issues that affect our profession and patients .
In conclusion , become involved ! I encourage all GLMS members to continue paying dues . If you are not a member of GLMS , consider joining . Support the KMA , AMA and your specialty medical societies . An active member paying dues supports the work of Strength in Numbers as they advocate for the medical profession and patients ’ health care . I also encourage you to participate in the Kentucky Physicians ’ Day at the Capitol , usually held in February . Kentucky state legislators are available to discuss topics and resolutions that are important to the medical profession . Contact your Congressperson and U . S . Senators on health care concerns before new legislation is passed . Finally , all medical societies and associations welcome members to join committees , serve as delegates and run for local , state and national offices . Organized medicine can promote physicians ’ interests and protect the practice of medicine . With the combined strength and commitment of its members , we can be an effective , unified voice for the medical profession and patient health care .
Dr . Hargett is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in private practice . He is also Treasurer of the National Medial Association .
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