Physician Involvement in the Political Process

Dr. McIntyre said the biggest political challenge for physician practices today is that the government is now in the driver's seat, as the federal government is now the largest purchaser of health insurance. "Healthcare is at the end of the Yo-yo in Washington," he said.

Mr. Prentice said reimbursement is the biggest challenge ASC owners are facing. "Congress fumbled the ball when it came to repealing the sustainable growth rate," as the cost of fixing the SGR was never lower than it was last year.

Dr. McIntyre and Mr. Prentice both encouraged physicians and surgeons to get involved in the political issues that affect them. "Physicians should be advocating at whatever level they can," said Dr. McIntyre. He said sometimes it is easier to get involved at the local level because on the national level physicians need a platform to stand on.

"If you own an ASC, you must be involved in the political process if you want your business to be successful" said Mr. Prentice. "As a lobbyist, I can tell you, I can't do it alone. We need grassroots advocates," he added.

For physicians involved in the political process, it is important to be consistent. To get your message out it requires repeated effort because even the member of Congress who is most interested in your message, "walks out the door and into a meeting with another group," said Dr. McIntyre.

"To have a physician voice in Congress is very valuable," said Mr. Prentice. Many physicians have been alerted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and that has led to many more physicians being interested in the political process.

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