This is your first FAFP National Reform Update.  We will attempt to provide you with timely updates, as well as the tools needed to impact this process by communicating with your own member of Congress and two US Senators.

Over the course of the last several weeks the public debate surrounding National Health Care Reform has taken on a "war" like movement. Many different special interests, political and economic, are spinning their versions of reform or just trying to defeat the whole effort with scare tactics.

The Florida Academy supports the AAFP position that inserts essential elements benefiting primary care. We all hope that these will be included in the final legislative product to ensure payment reform, loan repayment incentives, medical home, etc.  You can read the full AAFP position statement America's Affordable Health Choices Act (HR3200) on the FAFP homepage.

I implore you to contact your member of Congress and two US Senators during this August recess.  If you are registered to vote, you can find your Congressional District number printed on your voter registration card. Congressional contact information and a sample letter can also be found at the AAFP Speak Out website.

This information can also be used when you reach out to your member of Congress.  If you can't speak directly to your member, ask for the health legislative aide and let him or her know why this is important to family medicine.  Members of Congress want to hear from real people, especially real doctors who treat real people. The politics of this issue are nearly out of control. Too much misinformation is swirling around. Now is the time to take 10 Minutes-A-Week out of your busy practice to engage on this issue. Now is the time to ask your patients to engage on your behalf.

This is family medicine's time. The AAFP is pushing hard to insert provisions in health reform legislation that can and will improve the specialty. Help them help you and your patients by participating in this process. Don't let foolish politics scare you!

Please rest assured that the AAFP and the FAFP are strongly advocating for your interests and your patients' interests ensuring that whatever bill Congress ultimately acts upon (if any) includes the provisions provided in the AAFP fact sheet.   If you have any additional questions, thoughts, concerns please feel free to e-mail or call Tad Fisher, our FAFP Executive Vice President at (800) 223-3237.

Thank you for your efforts.