The 2023 Interim Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) took place November 10-14 and led to significant decisions and impactful discussions that will shape the future of healthcare.
ACS Presence
The ACS delegation to the HOD achieved significant progress that will see the AMA advocate for key issues important to surgeons. The Board of Trustees Report 06, calling for a national Good Samaritan law to protect physicians who provide emergency care, was adopted. Also adopted was Resolution 813, “Strengthening Efforts Against Horizontal & Vertical Consolidation,” which is aimed to enforce antitrust laws for vertical acquisitions in healthcare. The delegation provided testimony on resolutions in all Reference Committees both supporting and opposing measures impacting the practice of surgery for years to come.
The ACS delegation includes Chair Jacob Moalem, MD, FACS; John Armstrong, MD, FACS, FCCP; Ross Goldberg, MD, FACS; Leigh Neumayer, MD, MBA, MA, FACS; Naveen Sangji, MD, MPH; Kenneth Sharp, MD, FACS; Daniel Dent, MD, FACS; Lena Napolitano, MD, FACS, FCCP, FCCM, and Resident & Fellow Section Delegate Michael Visenio, MD, MPH.
A New Vice Speaker: Dr. John Armstrong
The historic election of Dr. Armstrong as Vice Speaker of the AMA HOD is an achievement marking the highest position ever held by a member of the ACS delegation. The accomplishment is a testament to Dr. Armstrong's exceptional leadership and dedication to the advancement of healthcare.
At the Interim Meeting, Dr. Armstrong led the HOD business sessions through multiple reference committees, navigating complex healthcare policy issues. His guidance and contributions helped shape the AMA's agenda and ensure the voices of all physicians were heard at the highest levels of healthcare policymaking.
As Vice Speaker of the AMA House of Delegates, Dr. Armstrong will continue to champion the cause of surgeons and advocate for policies that promote quality, accessible, and equitable healthcare for all Americans, and the ACS and the AMA delegation are grateful for his service and commitment.
Combating Medicare Payment Cuts: A Critical Issue
A central theme of the meeting was the pressing issue of Medicare payment cuts, which threaten to erode physician compensation and hinder access to quality care.
The HOD adopted Resolution 216, “Saving Traditional Medicare,” reaffirming the AMA’s efforts to fix the flawed Medicare payment system for physicians, recognizing traditional Medicare is a critical healthcare program while educating the public on the benefits and concerns of Medicare Part C and Medicare Advantage plan expansion.
The House also adopted Resolution 235, “Preventing Imminent Payment Cuts and Ensuring the Sustainability of The Medicare Program,” which prioritizes preventing the imminent 3.4% Medicare payment cut from taking effect in January 2024.
Advocating for Physician Well-being
The HOD recognized the importance of physician well-being and the need to address systemic factors contributing to burnout and stress among healthcare professionals. The House of Delegates received significant supportive testimony online and in-person for public health and the need to remove administrative burdens like prior authorization, opposing government interference in health care decision making, and reaffirming the importance of the physician led healthcare team.
For more information on the interim meeting, visit the AMA’s website.
