WASHINGTON — As lawmakers return to Washington for the 110th Congress, the American Medical Association (AMA) unveils its 2007 advocacy agenda, with a renewed focus on covering the uninsured and reforming the Medicare payment system.

"The AMA is committed to improving the health care system for patients and physicians, and working with Congress on the leading health care issues outlined in our agenda will help us achieve that goal," said AMA Board Chair Cecil Wilson, MD.

The AMA's 2007 agenda focuses on improving health care for America's patients through important health system reforms and improvements in public health. Some of the specific issues the AMA will tackle this year through federal, state and private sector advocacy include:


* Expand health insurance coverage for the uninsured
* Reform the Medicare physician payment system
* Reform the medical liability system
* Ensure clinical quality improvements through standards developed by the medical profession
* Promote healthier lifestyles
* Close gaps in health care for minority patients
* Prepare for and respond to disasters and other public health emergencies.

"Covering the uninsured has long been a top priority of the AMA, and through partnerships and advocacy we will work to reduce the plight of 46 million uninsured Americans this year," said Dr. Wilson. "We know that the uninsured live sicker and die younger. New legislation is needed that will make it easier for the uninsured to get health care coverage."

"Congress took critical action late last year to stop the 2007 Medicare physician payment cut, providing an important but temporary reprieve from access concerns for seniors and the physicians who care for them," said Dr. Wilson. "This year we will work with Congress, the Administration and seniors to stop the 2008 Medicare cut and enact a more permanent solution to the flawed Medicare physician payment formula. We will also work closely with Congress and the Administration to address concerns with the Medicare quality reporting framework."

"The AMA is the nation's leading voice for America's physicians," said Dr. Wilson. "Our 2007 agenda sets an ambitious course for improving health care, and will help physicians care for their patients."

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