Endocrine Insider
December 13, 2007

The Endocrine Society, the American Medical Association (AMA), and more than 70 other medical specialty societies, have been working together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-specialty survey of America’s physician practices. The purpose of the survey is to collect up-to-date information on physician practice characteristics in order to positively influence national decision makers. The survey, which began interviewing medical practices earlier this year, will continue through 2008. Surveys will be conducted with physicians from virtually all medical specialties, including endocrinology, to ensure accurate and fair representation for physicians and their patients.

The data obtained from this study will allow medical specialties to articulate practice concerns to national decision makers leading to policy initiatives that not only will help physician practices in the short-term but will allow future generations of doctors to continue providing superior care to their patients. In fact, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced that the results of this study are considered vital in order to update physician payments.

During the remainder of 2007 and throughout 2008, you may be contacted by the dmrkynetec organization to participate in this study. We encourage your participation, as the data obtained will be a critical source of information for the AMA and The Endocrine Society. Your participation is critical to its success.

Please note: there is a small section of this study that pertains to practice expenses and the amounts that are attributable to you. Please encourage your staff to make these numbers available. This is a vital part of the research, and accurate and complete data are absolutely necessary. This information remains confidential. The survey firm will not identify any individuals or entities participating in this research to any of the participating organizations.

If you have questions about the survey, please contact Holly Whelan, Manager, Health Policy at hwhelan@endo-society.org.