As anticipated, yesterday afternoon Senators Max Baucus (D-MT) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) released the first of three policy option papers on health system reform.  Briefly, the attached paper outlines proposals for ways to reform the health care delivery system, addressing key physician policy issues such as Medicare physician payment, care coordination, the Physician Quality Improvement Program, and the physician workforce.  Later in May, the Finance Committee intends to release papers addressing health care coverage and financing proposals.  

The deadline for submitting public comments on the options set forth in the paper is May 15.  Similar deadlines will be established for commenting on the next two papers.  The Committee intends to mark up comprehensive health system reform legislation in June. 

The AMA is in the process of analyzing the paper and will provide additional information when that work is completed.  In the meantime, the original document can be accessed at:  http://www.finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202009/042809%20Health%20Care%20Description%20of%20Policy%20Option.pdf.