MAG Supports Pro-Physician Leader Scott for Congress

The Medical Association of Georgia has endorsed State Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) in his bid to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Georgia’s 8th Congressional District.

“Representative Scott has been at the forefront of the effort to create a more favorable practice environment for physicians in Georgia,” says MAG President Gary C. Richter, M.D. “Of course, that practice environment goes hand-in-hand with ensuring that our patients have access to the medical care they need.”

In addition to the key role that he played in passing Certificate of Need (CON) reform in 2008, Dr. Richter says Rep. Scott has led the legislative charge for physicians in Georgia on a number of fronts, including…

· Trauma Network. Rep. Scott sought millions of additional dollars for the state’s trauma network on multiple occasions.

· Third Party Payers. Rep. Scott has actively promoted the MAG-sponsored prompt pay bill in Georgia to close the loopholes that have allowed self-funded and private third-party payers to get around the state’s prompt payment statute.

· Medicaid Reimbursement. Rep. Scott has actively opposed efforts to cut the Medicaid reimbursement rates for physicians in Georgia, which has significant ramifications for patients when it comes to physician accessibility.

“The bottom line is that Representative Scott has been an effective advocate for both physicians and patients in Georgia,” says Dr. Richter. “It is imperative that we support him in his bid for the U.S. Congress if we hope to achieve our vision for health care in this state.”

MAG is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.scottforga.com to learn more about Rep. Scott’s campaign and to support him with a campaign contribution.