Page 18 - Layout 1

LEGISLATIVE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A

CALL

TO

ARMS

FOR

PHYSICIANS

By Alexander Kenton, MD

H ealthcare is one of the most regulated industries in the holders. Steven Brill outlines it well in his book, “America’s Bitter
United States and as long as the largest share of na-
Pill.” In the book, he notes how the degree of lobbying combined
tional and state budgets go to healthcare and entitle-
with the amount of money contributed by the stakeholders to key
ments, more regulation and legislation over healthcare policymakers had a direct effect on the financial outcome of the
will follow. This is why physicians must be engaged in advocacy stakeholders.
at every level. Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of America
It is important that physicians contribute to political advocacy (PhARMA) had the best connections and placed the largest
organizations to support the patient and physician cause. In addi- amount of money into lobbying. Former congressman Wilbert
tion, close working relationships with state legislators are key if Joseph Tauzin, PhARMA’s chief lobbyist, was the previous chair
we want to have a say on how care is delivered to our patients and of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees
how we are compensated for the care we provide. national healthcare. That close relationship combined with $270
The single biggest example of what happens when physicians million worth of lobbying money ensured major concessions. As
are not as engaged as other stakeholders is seen in the develop- a result, Medicare was prevented from negotiating with pharma-
ment of the Affordable Care Act and its financial affects on stake- ceutical companies for drug prices and consumers were prevented

18 San Antonio Medicine • January 2019