For many years, every issue of Family Practice Management used to contain a brief statement of our editorial philosophy. We, the editors, have tried to keep that philosophy always in mind, but I realized several months back that it has evolved somewhat since we last put it in print. Especially now, as we begin a new year, it seems appropriate to remind you of where we're coming from.

To put it in few words, we believe in family medicine; it's what this country needs. We believe in a constructive, inclusive approach to problem solving; we believe that, despite today's contentious health care system, win-win solutions are the only ones likely to endure.

We recognize that no family practice can succeed in the long run anymore without providing excellent patient care while affording both physicians and staff fair compensation and satisfying work.

We recognize how rough things are in practice today, and while we believe you can succeed and even thrive, we know that success requires careful design and management of the practice, with the active, knowledgeable participation of every physician involved – not just those who have administrative responsibilities. Consequently, FPM aims to support and inform all practicing family physicians and promote the continual improvement of practice in all its aspects, from the delivery of clinical care through the delivery of dollars to the bottom line.

Satisfaction survey

There is more to be said on the subject, but I'll stop there, because I want to alert you to a second-chance opportunity for you to help support and inform your colleagues: In response to reader requests, we've included in this issue a print version of the online survey of physician satisfaction with payers that we launched back in October. If you haven't responded to the survey because you find the online version inconvenient, here's an easier way to help build an accurate, balanced picture of how the various payers are to work with. Such a picture could help your colleagues and yourself identify the best and worst players in the industry while helping the AAFP represent family physicians better. It's worth your time!