Divided AMA Compromises on Health Reform Resolution

Kevin Pho, MD, who blogs from his internal medicine practice in Nashua, NH, said in an interview that younger physicians like himself, and more liberal ones in his specialty, tend to side more with the American College of Physicians than the AMA.

"The AMA only represents 30% to 35% of doctors practicing across the country," he says. "But they are still the most influential lobbying force for doctors in the country and they still hold influence and sway."

Now, he said, the AMA appears to realize that "they have to appear somewhat open to some sort of public plan because the president supports it, and if they don't they'll lose their seat at the negotiating table."

Pho says it's difficult for anyone to say how they feel about a public plan when the details of the president's proposal have not yet been revealed. In reality, the concept of a public plan may be different than anyone on the right or left side of the debate envisions today.

Priver, former president of the San Diego County Medical Society, echoes his comment. "They've got to start spelling out the details. I don't know whether they're holding up for a reason, or whether spelling out these details would mean more anxiety."

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