On Country’s Top Health Issues Urge Nation To Vote For America’s Health This Fall (NAPSA)—For generations, millions of Americans have relied on family physicians for their health care needs. If action is not taken soon, however, many Americans—whether they’re facing a minor illness or a potentially life- threatening diagnosis—may not have a trusted physician to whom they can turn. The nation’s health care system is reaching a breaking point, and it is affecting the ability of many Americansto get the care they need. More and more Americans cannot see their doctor when they need one due to issues like not having health insurance, skyrocketing medical malpractice claims, low Medicare payment, and more. “Family physiciansarethefirst health care professional that millions of Americans turn to,” said Larry S. Fields, M.D., president of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), one of the largest national medical organizations, representing more than 94,000 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students nationwide. “That is why it is imperative that Congress put safeguards in place now to ensure that family physicians can continue to practice and provide their patients with high-quality medical care.” The AAFPis taking this mes- sage to the nation’s capital this fall by holding its first-ever national Vote for America’s Health Rally. This September, thousands of family physicians, residents this fall to make a commitmentto fixing the health care system and to develop solutions. All Americans should have a personal med- ical home.” Dr. Kellerman points out, that there is something voters can do. The AAFPis releasing a Guide to Health Issues for Voters, with easy-to-understand, nonpartisan information on the top health policy issues requiring attention from the next Congress. The purpose of this online guide is to help Ameri- cans understand the challenges facing the health care system and provide them with the information they need to question their candi- dates thisfall. “Americans must demandthat this next Congress be the health Congress,” said Dr. Kellerman. “This fall’s election provides an opportunity for Americans to make their voices heard. By vot- ing for America’s health, together we can demand that our nation’s leaders take action and ensure that all Americans have access to and medical students—representing all 50 states, the Uniformed Services, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam—will gather on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn to create a presence that cannot be ignored by the nation’s affordable, quality care.” To access more information about the Vote for America’s Health Rally or download the Guide to Health Issues for Voters, visit the Web site “We’re doing this on behalf of on the Smart Patient Guide. The leaders. the tens of millions of patients www.familydoctor.org and click Smart Patient Guide also pro- who rely on care provided by fam- vides consumers with helpful convenientfor all of them to go to Washington, D.C., so our members have taken it upon themselves to How to choose a physician that is right for your family; Tips for talking with your ily physicians every year. It’s not advocate in the nation’s capital on their patients’ behalf,” said Rick Kellerman, M.D., F.A.A.F-.P., presi- dent-elect of the AAFP. “We feel that it is our responsibility to call upon all those runningfor office information including: doctor; Understanding your health insurance; e And information on the most common conditions affecting men, women andchildren.
