Six physicians in the House of Representatives, all Democrats, have launched the Congressional Doctors Caucus, a group aimed at addressing an array of healthcare concerns, Medpage Today reported March 17.
Republican physicians in Congress had formed their own GOP Doctors Caucus, according to the report. While the Democratic physician representatives collaborate with their Republican colleagues on certain events, the Democrats' policy stances differed enough to warrant two groups, Rep. Ami Bera, MD, told Medpage Today.
The group includes Reps. Raul Ruiz, MD, Kim Schrier, MD, Herb Conaway, MD, Maxine Dexter, MD and Kelly Morrison, MD. Dr. Bera told Medpage that the group calls itself the "Congressional" Doctors Caucus and not the "Democratic" Doctors Caucus because they "think it's important to take partisanship out of the name .... Obviously, there are times where all the doctors in Congress can come together; the Medicare physician fee schedule is probably one of those areas. Surprise billing is another area where we're able to come together, and we're hopeful that we can all come together to protect Medicaid, because that is such a vital way that so many Americans get their healthcare."
The group will also focus on potential Medicaid cuts, prior authorization, the future of the ACA and reproductive rights.