Sixteen doctors from around the state participated in a phone conference with Senator Mark Pryor to discuss health care reform on Thursday, October 1.

The participants on the call had the ear of the senator for over an hour, which enabled them to discuss at length many of the health care system-related issues that are relevant to Arkansas’ physicians.

Participants were able to voice their concerns over establishing a government health care plan, particularly one based on Medicare reimbursement rates and the negative impact it would have on patient access to care.

Important issues such as the geographic variance in Medicare reimbursements, which disproportionately impacts rural physicians and patients were discussed as well as concerns with the sustainable growth rate (SGR) funding formula. ARdocsCare members urged Senator Pryor to work to address these issues as Congress tackles health care reform.

Participants also voiced concerns with proposed legislation policies that would inhibit physicians from entering into specialized practices. Dr. Scott Schlesinger noted, “Currently few medical students are entering into the field of neurosurgery and, in many hospitals, there are ten positions for one applicant. Enacting policies that will lead to a shortage of specialty doctors seems contrary to the goals of reform.”

The topic of geographic disparities in regards to Medicare fee scheduling and sustainable growth rate funding formulas was also discussed as well as concerns regarding comparative effectiveness research.

ARdocsCare is in the process of scheduling meetings with other members of the Congressional Delegation.