Chicago, IL – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13) today visited with doctors of anesthesiology at Rush University Medical Center to learn about the specialized services they provide and to discuss their views on far-reaching changes to the nation’s health care system under consideration in Congress.  As staff of one of the nation’s leading anesthesiology departments, Rush doctors provided an in-depth account of medical specialties like anesthesiology and how access to such care could be adversely impacted under the current House health care bill, H.R. 3200.  Biggert then shadowed the medical team through a real-life surgical procedure to gain first-hand knowledge of the role specialty doctors play in a patient’s care.
 
“These doctors are vital to a broad range of live-saving procedures,” said Biggert, a member of the GOP Health Care Solutions Working Group.  “From pain management to monitoring a patient’s every heart beat during major surgery, this is a critical area of care that shouldn’t be glossed over or discounted by those seeking to rush through a government takeover of health care.  It’s past time for Congressional leaders to rethink the current proposal, and consider better, bipartisan ideas to ensure timely access to high-quality, affordable care for all Americans.”
 
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, various committee versions of H.R. 3200 would vastly expand the use of Medicare payment schedules for certain medical services, including anesthesiology.  While Medicare currently pays approximately 80% of what private insurers pay for most other specialties, it only pays about 33% of what private insurers pay for anesthesia services.  As a result of the proposed expansion, fewer and fewer doctors would receive reimbursement sufficient to cover the cost of anesthesiology, reducing access to care and causing current and future doctors to avoid a critical specialty.
 
“We are grateful for Congresswoman Biggert’s interest in the important role of anesthesiologists in the health care delivery system,” said Dr. Ken Tuman, Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Rush.  “Over the past two decades we have made tremendous progress in making anesthesia safer than ever before, and we are committed to continuing our efforts in improving patient safety.  It is essential that Congress backs our efforts by providing appropriate physician payment levels.  We look forward to working with Congresswoman Biggert and others in Congress to ensure responsible health care reform that protects patients and supports the physicians who provide their care.”
 
Following their discussion, Biggert joined Dr. Tuman, to observe the full spectrum of services managed by trained anesthetic professionals, including both pre- and post-operative care, as well as portions of a surgical procedure known as a thoracotomy, which involved a pulmonary resection.  She also joined Dr. Timothy Lubenow, Director of Pain Medicine and an Oak Brook resident, for a tour of Rush’s pain clinic.
 
“It’s amazing what these doctors do to ensure that each patient remains safe from pain, adverse drug interactions, and other life-threatening complications throughout the most challenging medical procedures,” said Biggert.  “I want to share that same spirit of caution, precision, and care with my colleagues in Washington in hopes of producing smarter, more sensible health care solutions.”

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