FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Contact:
Julie Hirschhorn
AAFP Public Relations
jhirschhorn@aafp.org
Statement attributable to:
Steven P. Furr, MD, FAAFP
President
American Academy of Family Physicians
“The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) appreciates that Congress has provided partial relief from Medicare physician payment cuts but remains concerned that more short-term patches will limit meaningful investment in the primary care workforce.
“We’ve repeatedly told Congress that the 3.4% Medicare payment reduction that went into effect on January 1 is untenable for family physicians and threatens patients’ access to primary care. With the passage of this legislation, Congress has offset 2.93% of that payment cut. We appreciate this temporary measure but continue to urge Congress to advance comprehensive, long-term Medicare payment reform.
“Additionally, the AAFP is disappointed that Congress has only reauthorized the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program through Dec. 31, 2024. THCGME is a critical program that encourages physicians to practice in rural and other underserved communities. Short-term extensions jeopardize access to care for millions of patients. Without the stability of a multi-year reauthorization, family medicine residents face significant uncertainty about what their future looks like. This approach to funding discourages residents from choosing to practice in areas where health care access is already at risk.
“While we appreciate congressional efforts to strengthen our nation’s primary care system, we have much work to do to ensure access to equitable, comprehensive care for all. The AAFP remains committed to working with Congress to identify and advance meaningful policies to ensure we have a robust primary care infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing and aging population.”
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About American Academy of Family Physicians
Founded in 1947, the AAFP represents 130,000 physicians and medical students nationwide. It is the largest medical society devoted solely to primary care. Family physicians conduct approximately one in five office visits — that’s 192 million visits annually or 48 percent more than the next most visited medical specialty. Today, family physicians provide more care for America’s underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on integrated care. To learn more about the specialty of family medicine and the AAFP's positions on issues and clinical care, visit www.aafp.org. For information about health care, health conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s consumer website, www.familydoctor.org.