New Mexico Medical Society News:
The New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS) has launched the “Your Care is At Our Core” campaign in partnership with the American Medical Association (AMA) to strengthen the bond between patients and their physicians, the foundation of health care.
Over the past few years, physicians have faced growing challenges ignited by battles over the COVID-19 pandemic, science and evidence-based care, and the prevalence of mis- and disinformation. These factors have distracted from what matters most – the connection between America’s physicians and their patients.
“Physicians are drawn to medicine to heal and to change lives for the better,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “Too often these days administrative burdens, red tape, and obstacles like prior authorization eat into our time with patients and create barriers in the patient-physician relationship. Building and maintaining this relationship is critical for establishing trust and achieving positive health outcomes in our communities, and we must make that our focal point.”
The data speaks for itself – 89% of patients agree that the doctor-patient relationship is central to health care, and 79% of patients agree that red tape bureaucracy makes it harder for physicians to provide the best care to patients.[1]
Unfortunately, decisions made by third parties like insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers, and others in health care are dramatically limiting the time physicians can spend with their patients – and the treatments physicians can provide to heal and bring comfort to their patients. Health care can be an especially vulnerable space for patients, and establishing a meaningful patient-physician relationship is necessary to build trust and provide the most effective care and treatment.
“Physicians want to provide timely, quality care to patients,” said Angelina Villas-Adams, MD, NMMS President. “Our best moments are when we are able to work closely with our patients and support them when facing health challenges and on their journey back to good health. Our worst days are when we cannot get patients the care they need, either because of paperwork barriers or the inability to schedule essential procedures due to a shortage of clinicians.”
Physicians are fighting alongside their patients for less bureaucracy and more time. We will continue to amplify these efforts through the Your Care is At Our Core campaign.
[1] Results from a National Online Survey of 1,000 voters conducted March 8-10, 2023 on behalf of the AMA.
About New Mexico Medical Society
New Mexico Medical Society is the professional organization for all allopathic and osteopathic doctors (MDs and DOs) in the state of New Mexico. Since 1886, NMMS has represented physicians in all specialties, all practice models, all career stages, and in all corners of the state. With the goal to retain and recruit as many quality physicians as possible, NMMS is focused on advocacy, education, and stakeholder communication.