[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


INTRODUCTION OF THE EMPOWERING MEDICARE PATIENT CHOICES ACT ESTABLISHES 
 A PHASED IN PROGRAM TO SUPPORT SHARED DECISION-MAKING IN MEDICARE BY 
 EQUIPPING BENEFICIARIES WITH UNBIASED, EVIDENCED-BASED RESOURCES THAT 
        CAN HELP THEM BE BETTER INVOLVED IN TREATMENT DECISIONS

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUR

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. BLUMENAURER. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to introduce the 
Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act of 2009.
  The onset of an illness creates intense stress and anxiety for 
patients and families. In addition to the weight of a diagnosis, 
patients struggle to learn about their illness and determine which 
treatments to pursue. During this time, people often feel helpless and 
unprepared to make such critical decisions, but it doesn't have to be 
that way. We have the opportunity to improve both the quality of health 
care and patient satisfaction by better engaging patients and families 
in treatment decisions.
  The Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act will create a shared 
decision-making process between physicians and patients within 
Medicare, offering incentives for doctors to provide resources such as 
DVD's and web-based, interactive programs. These materials provide 
unbiased, evidence-based information on treatment options. After 
reviewing the decision aids, patients and families are better prepared 
to have meaningful conversations with their doctors to determine the 
course of action right for them.
  The legislation introduces shared decision-making into Medicare in 
three phases. Phase I is a three-year period pilot program allowing 
`early adopting' providers to participate, providing data and serving 
as Shared Decision-Making Resource Centers. Phase II expands the pilot 
for a three-year period during which a larger pool of providers will be 
eligible to receive reimbursement for the use of certified patient 
decision aids. The final stage requires providers to use patient 
decision aids for certain conditions as a standard of practice.
  Shared decision-making is a common-sense program that will improve 
quality of care, but more importantly, support patients and families 
during difficult times.

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