Advocacy

The department advocates for priority issues affecting medical groups; promotes policymakers’ and lawmakers’ awareness of the advantages of practicing in a group model environment; represents membership’s interests among related associations and coalitions; and informs and advises members regarding implementation of, and compliance with, enacted and proposed legislation and regulations.

In addition to issue-based advocacy, the Government Affairs’ skilled representational activities promotes policymakers’ and lawmakers’ awareness of group medical practices’ recognized excellence in delivering high-quality, cost-effective medical care in a highly coordinated setting.

Through AMGA Government Affairs’ efforts, members are assured that their interests are steadfastly promoted before many audiences: the White House, Congress, and federal agencies, as well as among other health care organizations and interest groups. AMGA representatives provide detailed information to White House and federal agency decision-makers on members’ concerns. On the Hill, AMGA staff meet regularly with Members of Congress and their staff. AMGA Government Affairs’ representatives effectively advance members’ interests before influential Congressional Committee staff, educating them on “real world” implementation and healthcare operational matters as relevant, such as providing them medical group practice projections and calculations regarding implementation concerns related to legislative proposals.

Additionally, Government Affairs’ vigorously represents membership’s interests among professional and industry associations. This activity includes participation in effective Washington-based coalitions formed to advance specific issues, such as medical liability reform and Medicare physician payment reform. Of no small importance is AMGA’s vigilance to dissuade as necessary coalitions and other health care groups from a position on an issue that is detrimental to AMGA membership.

Congressional Actions: Through weekly issuance of AMGA’s Advocacy Enews, members are informed of Washington developments. More detailed information on legislative and regulatory issues of greater immediacy is provided to members through Legislative Alerts and Breaking News bulletins. Through these communications, AMGA keeps members apprised of developments affecting medical groups and informed regarding AMGA’s efforts on their behalf. For grassroots efforts, AMGA supplies draft letters and updates to lawmakers and health care leaders which can be modified by members who wish to add their voice to the public discourse surrounding these issues; as well as letters from AMGA in support of the membership’s stand on these issues.

Priority Issues: Details on AMGA’s advocacy efforts on priority issues affecting medical groups -- Medical Liability Reform, Medicare+Choice, Medicare Physician Payment, and Medicare Reform.

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