Letter: Local doctors support community

Published 8:52 am Saturday, November 20, 2010

We are members of the North Georgia Medical Managers Association (NGMMA) and we work for and daily support your Dalton doctors, as well as their patients and families.

Although medical practices exist to heal, each practice is also a small business. Our doctors and the practices they own and operate employ nearly 1,000 citizens in our community. The majority of physicians who practice in Dalton and Whitfield County also live in our community and provide millions of dollars worth of indigent care each year. Most of that work is done without any compensation for the doctor, or our practice. Medical fee discounts are also provided routinely for patients now finding themselves without health insurance. Support from your Dalton/Whitfield medical community is also a staple for area charities and fundraising events such as the Bill Gregory Healthcare Classic and American Heart Ball.

The NGMMA was established in 1986 to share best practices and operating efficiencies as well as provide professional networking opportunities for physician office managers across our region. Our organization represents primary care medical practices as well as numerous specialties. Our managers hold monthly educational program meetings in order to stay current with the ever changing health care environment. Our membership is also involved in community philanthropy and good works such as the United Way, Toys for Tots, Meals on Wheels, Humane Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Much discussion is under way regarding the need for more “competition” in our medical community marketplace. We remind you that our doctors compete among each other for patients every day. We know that contract discussions are also under way to bring additional insurers into our market, but we want you to be aware that some insurance company proposals are offering fee schedules which offer reimbursement rates at less than what it costs physicians to provide that particular service.

Many of our employers have been serving you and your families for decades, in some cases generations. A strong doctor/patient relationship with your primary caregiver is essential to maintaining your health and wellness. We certainly understand that in these challenging times businesses large and small have to evaluate their budgets and costs, including employee health care benefits. However, choosing your doctor is a much more personal and complicated decision than selecting your office supplies vendor. Please make sure your voices are heard.

President, Sheila Carvell

Vice president, Tammy Gold

Secretary, Laura Darnell

Treasurer, Nancy Gentry

Executive director, TJ Davis

NGMMA officers

www.ngmma.org