The directive to the AMA to form this national organization is a clear message that physicians are frustrated with the present environment in which they practice medicine. The health care industry has recently seen a significant concentration of health plans. In addition to over 162 mergers in the last ten years, in the past four years the 18 leading health insurers have combined into six. Physicians' ability to effectively advocate for quality medical care has been seriously undermined to the detriment of patients and efficient, effective health care delivery. They are increasingly under pressure to sign contracts that result in more control over health care by insurers and that place profitability before quality and individual patient care.
Physicians have an ethical and legal obligation to act in the best interest of their patients.
The House of Delegates has made it clear that physicians need to join together to increase their leverage with their employers and health plans, yet they would prefer not to join a traditional labor union. The AMA's objective is for all physicians to have the ability to collectively negotiate so they may gain the leverage they now lack in order to guarantee that patient care is not compromised or neglected for the sake of profits. Toward this end we remain firm in our support for H.R. 1304. The AMA requests your support for this legislation so that all physicians are able to effectively advocate for the quality of care their patients need and deserve. Copyright 1995-2001 American Medical Association.