AfPA - The Alliance for Patient Access

November 14, 2008

Alliance for Patient Access Applauds AMA’s Heath Insurer Code of Conduct

Nashville, TN -- The Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA) today applauded the American Medical Association’s newly adopted Insurer Code of Conduct and encouraged physicians to join them in encouraging on health insurance plans adoption and compliance. “We applaud the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates unanimous decision to develop a Health Insurer Code of Conduct setting forth clear and concise principles addressing both medical care policies and payment issues to benefit patients, physicians, hospitals and other health care providers,” said AfPA’s Director, Brian Kennedy.

“Far too often, health insurers have interfered with the doctor/patient relationship, effectively altering the most appropriate course of treatment and care for patients,” said Kennedy. “From unwarranted rescissions and denials of coverage for prescribed medications and treatments, the actions of health insurance companies seemingly are more focused on improving the bottom line instead of improving patient care.”

Kennedy concluded that the AfPA will call upon it physician members to encourage health insurers to take an important first step towards putting the focus back on the patient by proactively adopting a Health Insurer Code of Conduct.

The Alliance for Patient Access is a national network of physicians that works in support of public policies that ensure patient access to healthcare.