And the thin GOP majority gives the doctors more clout. Part of the doctor-lawmakers' success derives from their passion on the subject. As HMO and business resistance to his bills grew, so did his determination, he said. They feel very strongly about the need for patient protections. Opponents of the bills use the lawmakers' health care credentials to criticize their motives.
Opponents argue that the physician-lawmakers are striving to protect their turf.
The main proposals are sponsored by ob-gyns and dentists and would directly impact them, said Kahn, referring to Drs. Coburn and Norwood. Some lawmakers defer to the doctor-congressmen on the patient protection issue, said Neil Trautwein, health care lobbyist for the National Assn. of Manufacturers. They include insurance cost, coverage and workplace issues, he added. Although the physician-lawmakers continue to stand tough on the patient protection issue, they are no longer standing together.