American Osteopathic Association Endorses Bipartisan Managed Care Reform Bill

Contact: Karyn Gianfrancesco, 312-202-8042 or 800-621-1773, ext. 8042, or
Mary Ann M. Pagaduan, 312-202-8040 or 800-621-1773, ext. 8040,

both of the American Osteopathic Association;
Web site: http://www.aoa-net.org

CHICAGO, Aug. 27 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) strongly endorses the Bipartisan Consensus Managed Care Improvement Act of 1999 (H.R. 2723) because of its focus on patients and their right to quality health care.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.), would allow physicians to determine medical necessity; hold health care plans accountable for their actions; provide patients with a fair and independent appeals process; and cover all Americans with private health insurance. The bill would also guarantee access to specialists, emergency room treatments and referrals outside of networks. More than 60 Republicans and Democrats support H.R. 2723.

"This bipartisan effort will implement the strong and comprehensive patient protections Americans have been calling for," says John B. Crosby, J.D., the AOA's executive director. "Clearly, the Norwood-Dingell bill will help bring quality back into health care and allow osteopathic physicians to care for patients in accordance with the high principles guiding our profession."

In line with the AOA's commitment to advocate on behalf of patient protection, it pledges to work with all members of Congress to ensure swift enactment of H.R. 2723.

"We applaud the efforts of Reps. Dingell and Norwood and fully support their legislation because it offers strong, comprehensive and meaningful patient protection," adds Crosby. "We also commend Reps. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) for their efforts to draft a managed care reform plan for the benefit of all Americans, and we look forward to working with these legislators to develop yet another bill which protects our patients."

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The American Osteopathic Association represents more than 43,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s), promotes public health, encourages scientific research and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities. For more information about osteopathic medicine, visit the AOA's Web site at www.aoa-net.org.

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/U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

08/27 17:06

Copyright 1999, U.S. Newswire