New Democrat Update - October 1999
BOOSTING HEALTH CARE QUALITY
The goal of state New Democrats is to make quality, affordable health care available to all Coloradans. We believe there's a "third way" to ensure patients' rights - give consumers more and better information to encourage competition on the basis of quality as well as cost.
What patients need most is accurate information about the quality of care provided by specific doctors and other health care professionals. For example, health care consumers should be empowered to make a phone call or go onto the Internet and immediately get basic information about any of the doctors licensed to practice medicine in the state. Under the proposal, the State Medical Board would prepare and update "Physicians Profiles" that provide doctor addresses, specialty areas, education and training, and insurance plan (including Medicaid) participation; honors, awards, and professional publications; any disciplinary actions by hospitals or licensing boards; or criminal convictions and any malpractice payments over the last 10 years, rated by relative amount in the physician's specialty.
In Massachusetts, an estimated 50,000 requests for profiles were received by the state medical board's hotline before the web site information became available. That web site now averages 1400 "hits" per day, along with 125 phone calls a day to the state medical board. Clearly, these profiles have become an important and routine part of the process of choosing a doctor in Massachusetts.
Physicians there have actively cooperated. The legislation requires that doctors have the opportunity to review profiles to check their accuracy before they were posted. Physicians and their representatives have worked with the state medical board in improving the information it provides.
A "virtuous cycle" of more sophisticated information, and more intelligent consumer choice, has taken place. These are the kind of health care reform opportunities we should not let get away.
EXPANDING THE WINNER'S CIRCLE
The global marketplace, harnessed to the speed and power of information technology, is creating new opportunities at a dizzying pace. With the most competitive economy in the world, America is clearly benefiting. Yet, the forces of reaction and protectionism are gaining too many supporters around the country - and they want to turn the clock back.
Of course, New Democrats will continue to fight for progressive economic policies that will expand trade and the “winners circle” of those who benefit from the global economy. Learn and share your ideas on this critical policy agenda at the 1999 DLC Annual Conference - The New Politics of Globalization, October 14 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC.
Vice President Al Gore is the conference's honored guest. In addition, New Democrat leaders in Congress and the Administration will be featured.
For more information or to RSVP, please call Christine Dunham at 800-546-0027.
BECOME AN OFFICIAL NEW DEMOCRAT!
Join numerous state legislators, local elected officials and many more private citizens by becoming a member of the national and Colorado DLC. Your involvement is essential for changing the Democratic Party and developing a bold message for the 21st century.
As a member, you will be joining the fastest growing Democratic movement in the country and in Colorado. Visit the national DLC website.