LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Trends in national health care
     To the Editor. -- The nationalization of health care is clearly forthcoming. At the present time Medicare is at the forefront of this movement, apparently setting algorithms for all clinical situations to be reviewed. This is a giant step forward from the already existing DRGs. In spite of these major reforms in our health care system, Medical Acupuncture is to date rarely acknowledged and reimbursed by insurance agencies, and worse still, a number of arbitrary restrictions are being imposed on its practice.
     Experience has taught us very clearly that statutory changes on Capitol Hill involve a tedious and often times lengthy process of testimony from both experts and interested citizens, as well as reviews of precedents. We, as responsible physicians represented both by the AMA and the AAMA, are clearly in a position to respond and to act.
     I believe that our entire national health care system will follow the footsteps of Medicare. The AMA is the legitimate organization to uphold the quality of the cost-effective health care system to come. As members of the Academy, we should join forces in achieving this goal. My immediate suggestions are as follows: