North American Spine Society Responds to President Bush's 2003 Proposed Budget; NASS Encouraged by Commitment to Seniors

2/14/2002

From: Terri Hall, 703-724-4176, or Pamela Krueger, 708-588-8082, both of the North American Spine Society (NASS)

LaGRANGE, Ill., Feb. 14 -- In response to President George W. Bush's proposed 2003 Budget, Dr. Stanley Herring, president of the North American Spine Society (NASS) issued the following statement:

"The North American Spine Society (NASS) commends President George W. Bush for addressing key health care issues in his 2003 budget during a time when there are many competing needs for funding. Our nation's health must remain a top priority.

"We stand behind President Bush and his investment to combat terrorism, increase our nation's intelligence capabilities and research bio-terrorism threats to prevent and appropriately respond to bio-terror attacks. Increased understanding of the transmission and control of infectious diseases enhances all of medicine.

"NASS remains encouraged by President Bush's commitment to our nation's seniors by acknowledging that our Medicare system is due for an overhaul. A Medicare system where bureaucratic paper work replaces quality patient care does little to help our nation's elderly. A September 2001 survey of NASS members revealed that 25 percent of had reduced or eliminated the number of Medicare patients in their practices. The two most frequently cited reasons were burdensome documentation requirements and poor reimbursement. Medicare patients comprise 21 percent-50 percent of more than half of NASS members' patients.

"We are pleased that President Bush has recognized that the recent Medicare payment updates (a reimbursement decrease of 5.4 percent across the board) are flawed and is willing to work with Congress to correct the problem. The Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act (HR 3351/S.1707) would be the first step. This bipartisan legislation will address the payment predicament. It has strong support in Congress. 312 Representatives support the legislative fix, along with 69 Senators.

"Make no mistake; our nation's health care professions will continue to be forced out of the Medicare system by the physician fee cut, which will directly affect Medicare patients' ability to receive quality health care. A February 2002 survey of NASS members confirms this -- 49 percent of respondents indicated that their practices would be forced to accept fewer Medicare patients as a direct result of the current cut in reimbursement.

"The North American Spine Society looks forward to working with President Bush and Members of Congress to ensure that continuing Medicare reform efforts will streamline and enhance the delivery of health care to our nations elderly. President Bush's support of these changes will allow the Medicare population to receive the high quality medical care it needs and rightly deserves."

--- To receive a complete copies of NASS surveys regarding Medicare reform. Contact Pamela Krueger at 708-588-8082.

------ The North American Spine Society is a multi-disciplinary society that advances quality spine care through education, research and advocacy. With a focus on comprehensive spine care; NASS members consist of orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, neurologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists and other spine care professionals