President Obama's State of the Union address got a calculated review from major players in the healthcare sector, with most groups praising the overall message, but vowing to work with both political parties to improve their own standing in the coming months as Congress moves to amend the sweeping reforms under the Accountable Care Act.
The strongest support came from the AMA. "President Obama outlined a vision for our nation's future that includes key AMA priorities, such as lowering healthcare costs through medical liability reform, improvements to the new health reform law, and investments in biomedical research," said AMA President Cecil B. Wilson, MD.
"The AMA applauds the president's willingness to consider medical liability reform to rein in frivolous lawsuits and help reduce healthcare costs. Medical liability reform is critical as every American pays the price for high medical liability costs," Wilson said.
Wilson said the AMA was gratified to learn that the president will consider eliminating the 1099 reporting requirement for physician practices and other small businesses. "We will continue to work with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and the administration during the implementation phase of this new law to ensure the best outcomes for patients and physicians," Wilson said.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America President/CEO John J. Castellani praised the president for focusing on economic development. "We believe that medical innovation specifically will continue to play a crucial role in advancing patient health and spurring economic growth in the U.S. The President recognized this crucial point tonight, as he stressed the need for investments in biomedical research," Castellani said.
The pharmaceutical industry invested more than $65 billion in research and development in 2009 alone, Castellani said, adding that drug makers should be considered "a national health and economic asset. Our global leadership in medical progress, and the domestic jobs and economic output that goes along with it is ours to lose if our nation's leaders don't support policies that help preserve and nurture future medical innovation," he said.
The trial lawyers' lobby, normally a strong supporter of Democrats, rejected Obama's support for tort reform. "As many as 98,000 people die every year from preventable medical errors, with countless more injured," said AAJ President Gibson Vance. "President Obama should direct his focus towards tackling this startling figure, not promoting efforts that could eliminate the legal rights of patients."
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.