MSSNY Applauds Governor Cuomo's and Legislative Leaders' Call to Put New York Fiscal House in Order

ALBANY, NY (01/05/2011)(readMedia)-- "The Medical Society of the State of New York commends Governor Andrew Cuomo and our legislative leaders on their call for action to resolve the fiscal difficulties that New York State is facing," said Leah S. McCormack, MD, President of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY). "The physician community recognizes that the challenges are immense. We believe that we can put aside partisan differences and act together."

"The Medical Society has long argued that New York State's Medicaid system is financially unsustainable and that fundamental structural reform of the system is essential. We applaud the Governor's call for a redesign of the state's Medicaid program and urge that physicians be involved in the process. Physicians helping their patients to control their health conditions through primary and preventive community-based health care is an important step in any Medicaid redesign. We look forward to assisting the Governor in this effort," said Dr. McCormack.

"Meaningful reform of the medical liability tort system must also be achieved. Liability costs threaten the financial viability of our hospitals, nursing homes and physician offices. Medical liability reform can occur as part of the state budget; and then tangible savings will accrue directly to the state through reduced liability costs for state hospitals, clinics and ambulatory care facilities."

"The task before Governor Cuomo, our legislative leaders and the people of the State of New York is daunting. As always, physicians stand ready to help our patients obtain quality healthcare," concluded Dr. McCormack.