MEDICARE: Anesthesiologists Lobby Against Proposal
The American Society of Anesthesiologists released an ad last month, urging citizens to join them in lobbying against the proposed elimination of a requirement under Medicare that doctors be involved in anesthesia during surgery. The 30-second ad is running in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. In the ad, an announcer states: "Although President Clinton and Vice President Gore have been longtime supporters of quality Medicare benefits for seniors, Medicare is now proposing to eliminate a requirement for a doctor to be involved in anesthesia during surgery. Research proves that this change in Medicare rules will raise the death rate for Medicare patients' surgeries." The ad urges voters: "Don't let them make Medicare mediocre ..." and concludes by asking them to call the White House and ask "the president and vice president to help keep the 'care' in 'Medicare'" (National Journal Group Inc., 8/2). To view the ad, go to http://nationaljournal.com/members/adspotlight/2000/08/0802asa1.r am. Note: You must have Real Player G2 to view the ad.
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