104-0415 r a bc-osteopathic-physician-day Osteopathic Profession Focuses on Access to Care in Celebration of National D.O. Day

4/15/2002

From: Mary Ann M. Pagaduan, 800-621-1773, ext. 8040; 312-202-8040 or Mike Campea, 800-621-1773, ext. 8043; 312-202-8043, both of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

CHICAGO, April 15 -- The following was released today by the American Osteopathic Association:

Did you know that 2.2 million people in the United States lost their health insurance just last year? Or were you aware that among the approximately 40 million people in this country without health insurance, 8 million of them are children? And, how about the fact that doctors across the country are closing their practices, leaving communities without access to a physician because the doctor cannot afford to pay for the increased malpractice insurance rates?

In honor of National D.O. Day April 18, osteopathic physicians (D.O.s), osteopathic medical students, and supporters of the profession, hope to raise awareness for these issues and improve access to health care throughout the nation.

"D.O.s have a strong commitment to serving the needs of the underserved communities," explains James E. Zini, D.O., president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). "As insurance problems escalate, the health care options for individuals in this country are jeopardized."

While the osteopathic community uses National D.O. Day as an avenue to bring important medical issues to the forefront, the day also helps promote awareness for the osteopathic profession. Many people may not be aware of D.O.s and that they are fully licensed physicians. This may be due to the fact that D.O.s comprise only six percent of the total physician population. Of the approximately 47,000 D.O.s in the United States, more than 60 percent of them practice in the primary care areas of medicine.

As complete physicians, D.O.s are able to prescribe medication and perform surgery. They practice in all areas of medicine from neurology to sports medicine to dermatology to emergency medicine. In addition, D.O.s have added training in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on treatment tool that they can use to diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. OMT can be used in conjunction with and sometimes in place of medication or surgery to restore mobility and function.

The American Osteopathic Association promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical school and health care facilities. For more information on osteopathic medicine, access the AOA's Web site at www.aoa-net.org.