Chicago — (September 4, 2009) 

In anticipation of Congress returning from August Recess next week, ASA President Roger A. Moore visited Washington, D.C., to meet with key players in the health care reform debate.

Throughout the day Dr. Moore met on Capitol Hill with lawmakers and staff from the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee—two groups responsible for health care reform legislation. Dr. Moore also joined representatives of the House Blue Dog Coalition to discuss the importance of de-linking a public plan option from Medicare payment rates. The Blue Dogs supported a successful amendment to H.R. 3200 providing for negotiated payments in a public plan.

Dr. Moore frequently travels to Washington to participate in high-level meetings with Representatives and Senators, as well as key members of President Obama’s Administration.

“I appreciate every opportunity to share with key lawmakers ASA’s consistent message regarding de-linking any new plan from Medicare payment rates,” Dr. Moore said. “These constructive meetings and conversations help ensure that anesthesiology’s voice is heard on Capitol Hill. I urge every ASA member to remain informed about current developments, and to stay engaged in ASA’s grassroots advocacy efforts.”

While in Washington, Dr. Moore also hosted the first ASA Health Care Tele-Town Hall, a phone conference designed to provide ASA members with an update of the current health reform debate.

The ASA Washington office is aware of dial-in problems, and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please stay tuned for information about additional Tele-Town Halls as Congressional health care reform efforts continue.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists Web site at www.asahq.org. For patient information, visit LifeLineToModernMedicine.com

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