Hoosier Doctors Form Indiana Physician Coalition

(stock image courtesy: Pixabay/Alejandro Zhimacela)

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The Indiana Physician Coalition, an alliance of Indiana physician organizations, has come together to advocate for Hoosier patients. The coalition says it aims to educate lawmakers and the public about “how physician-led care protects patients from harm, increases access to quality care and helps control health care spending.”

The coalition says its members include some of the largest medical associations and specialty societies in Indiana, representing nearly 17,000 practicing physicians and 2,000 medical students around the state.

“Health care teams require leadership, just as teams do in sports,” said Dr. Roberto Darroca, president of the Indiana State Medical Association and a member of the coalition. “Physicians bring to the team the highest level of training and preparation, which we use to guide other members of the team to provide the highest quality of care possible for patients.”

The coalition says a statewide survey of Indiana residents found that patients are confused about the titles of medical professions. One out of every four Hoosiers were not confident that the provider who had seen them over the past few years was a physician, rather than an advanced practitioner.

“Some may think they are receiving care from a physician when, in reality, they are being treated by an advanced practitioner who is not a licensed physician,” said Dr. Seung Sim, immediate past president of the Indiana Society of Anesthesiologists. “Every Hoosier deserves to have physician-led care.”

In its survey, the coalition says it also found that patients prefer healthcare led by a physician. More than 3 out of 4 said they feel that physicians should have primary responsibility for leading their healthcare.

The coalition says other findings include:

• 83% of Hoosiers believe physicians and nurse practitioners need to work in a coordinated manner to ensure that patients get the care they need.
• 76% of Hoosiers believe in the event of a medical complication or emergency, a physician’s education and training are necessary to ensure patient safety.
• 73% of Hoosiers believe nurse practitioners treating patients with one or more chronic diseases should be overseen by physicians.