Physicians Group Praises President Obama and Provisions For Coordinated Care

By Medical News Today
Friday, February 27, 2009

Physician Groups for Coordinated Care (PGCC) -- which is comprised of physician groups, independent practice associations, and medical groups from across the country -- commits to working with and supporting the Obama Administration as it seeks to achieve accountable and coordinated health care as outlined in the just released White House budget.

Today, Physician Groups for Coordinated Care (PGCC) spokesperson Dr. Jay Cohen said, "President Obama's new budget clearly demonstrates that he gets it when it comes to the critical health care needs of all Americans. We applaud the provisions that enhance coordination of care and that recognize the providers of that care. These kind of provisions echo the principals on which our organization was founded."

Read the whole story at Mediacal News Today

Coordinated Care Facts

In 2007, Medicare Advantage saved seniors nearly $90 per month or $1000 per year in out of pocket costs. An estimated savings of approximately $7 billion annually. Additionally, compared to traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans can reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $4,000 annually for patients with the highest healthcare needs.

  • Comprehensive Care: Patients receive integrated treatment plans, and expert case management and disease prevention strategies for the chronically ill.
  • Cost-Effective Care: Integrated medical groups are able to support investments in advanced healthcare information technology, tracking patient follow-through on treatment plans and patient outcomes, and helping to uncover health problems before they become catastrophic.
  • Accessible Care: Efficiencies within the coordinated care delivery model mean better healthcare for more seniors, including:
    • lower out-of-pocket costs
    • increased health services such as dental care, vision care and preventive care
    • reduced hospitalizations
    • increased prescription coverage
    • higher overall satisfaction rates
    • greater value for the premium dollar than any other healthcare delivery system

What’s At Risk

If Medicare reforms dismantle incentives for coordinated care, seniors will experience significant increases in out of pocket costs - at a time when many seniors have seen their retirement account’s decline by over 40 percent in value — and decreased quality of healthcare.

Downloadable Resources

California Association of Physician Groups Report: From the Point of Care - The Experience of California Physicians in the Medicare Advantage and Traditional Medicare Programs

The Organized Health Care Delivery System

Take Action Right Now
1) Enter Your Name, Email and Zip Code

Your letters supporting physician-driven Accountable Care Organizations are essential. Send your message to Congress right now.

Medicare Patient
Physician
Concerned American
2) Send Email and Fax to Your Representative
3) Spread the Word About this Website

Inform your friends and family of this issue so they can join in support.

Sample Letter Text

[Your Email] wants you to join in to help preserve Medicare benefits for America's senior citizens.

Please click the link below and take the three easy steps to help ensure America's senior citizens get access to the healthcare they need.

www.AmericansForCoordinatedHealthcare.org

Thanks for participating in our campaign,
Americans For Coordinated Healthcare