|
|||
Late Breaking News |
|||
| Date: July 23, 1998 8:40 pm Contact: American Public Health Association David Fouse, 202/789-5676 Carole Zimmerman, 202/789-5677 |
|||
Latest News Releases
|
"Congress Must Act Now to Protect Patients," Says American Public Health Association | ||
| WASHINGTON - July 23 - The American Public Health Association
today urged Congress to approve legislation that will protect patients seeking medical
care and guarantee access and quality services to those enrolled in managed care programs. "Managed care has the promise to provide quality, comprehensive and affordable coverage to all Americans enrolled in managed care plans," said Mohammad N. Akhter, MD, MPH, executive director of the American Public Health Association. "Now that most Americans are enrolled in these plans, many are unable to access the necessary quality care, are losing their choice of health care providers and are lacking information about health plans." "Over the years, physicians have been strong advocates of patients, providing the best care based on the best available science," said Akhter. "With managed care, profits and cost-savings have come between the patient and the physician/health care provider." "Congress must act now to protect patients and approve standards that will guide managed care organizations in the delivery of health care and at the same time will tell the American public their rights as they decide on a health care provider," he said. "The Patients' Bill of Rights Act of 1998 is an important first step." The American Public Health Association, the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals, represents more than 50,000 members from over 50 public health occupations. Managed care will be the theme of APHA's 126th Annual Meeting, November 15-19, 1998, in Washington, DC. ### |
|||
