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Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. A Voice for Private Physicians Since 1943 Omnia pro aegroto |
February 20, 1998
To: Local and State Medical Societies and Medical Specialty Societies
We are seeking to know whether other societies share our concerns about the American Medical
Accreditation Program (AMAP). We do know that at least three societies, including the Arizona
Medical Association, have proposed resolutions to stop the AMAP, but these apparently
have had no significant effect.
A summary of our concerns follows. We would appreciate knowing whether your organization
agrees, disagrees, or is of no opinion about each. A place to indicate your response on this letter is
provided, along with a self-addressed envelope.
1. The process of undergoing site inspections and resubmitting credentials periodically will become
increasingly onerous and expensive, like JCAHO inspections, to the disadvantage of solo practitioners
and small groups.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
2. There is no evidence that “practice guidelines” or site inspections have a net beneficial effect
on patient care.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
3. The establishment of a nationwide program under the auspices of the AMA or the
Federation will work to the disadvantage of local or specialty societies that currently provide
credentialing services.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
4. Although “practice guidelines” are supposed to be voluntary, adherence to them is one of
the factors weighed in the accreditation process. Physicians could be subjected to undue pressure
to practice contrary to their own best judgment, base on “guidelines” heavily influenced by special
interest groups, such as managed care organizations that may profit from rationing care.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
5. Just as no businessman would like to be subjected to the possibility of nonaccreditation at
the discretion of competitors, physicians should be wary of potential conflicts of interest. The AMA
is not necessarily a disinterested outside agency, immune to influence by physicians’ competitors.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
6. Large sums of money will be involved (or will be at stake) in the decision to accredit or
deny accreditation, creating a potential for corruption.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
7. There are no constitutional or statutory protections against unwarranted actions by private
agencies. Even if AMAP damaged a physician’s ability to earn a livelihood through actions taken
in bad faith, a physician would have no effective recourse.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
8. Our organization is in favor of the AMAP.
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
9. Our organization will work against the AMAP program, as by bringing resolutions to the
AMA House of Delegates or by other means (please elaborate).
___ Agree ___ Disagree ___ No Opinion
Name, address, and telephone number of contact person for further discussion.
Thank you for your assistance.
Jane M. Orient, M.D., Executive Director
