Family physicians propose sweeping reforms

LEAWOOD, Kan., March 31 (UPI) -- The American Academy of Family Physicians, based in Leawood, Kan., says reforming clinical practice could ensure satisfaction for both patients and doctors.

And supporters of the academy's proposals say such changes would deliver high-quality care -- even to the indigent -- as well as attract future family physicians at no extra cost, USA Today reported Wednesday.

In a report called "The Future of Family Medicine," the academy called for giving patients the option of group visits, "e-visits," a national database on medical guidelines, an end of paper billing and universal health coverage.

Such proposals, which the academy says would raise doctors' satisfaction and improve patient care, have gained wide support, partly because they are perceived as affordable.

"There is plenty of money to pay for the right care for everybody and even cover the uninsured, without spending any more money than we are already spending, if we just take it out of the waste and the harm in the current system," Helen Darling of the National Business Group on Health said.

Support also has come from the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the AARP.