AMA launches all-out effort to boost membership

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Association (AMA) wants to reverse a decline in membership, especially among younger physicians, by reaching out directly to potential members. The AMA may shift away from its traditional strategy of relying on state, local and specialty medical societies for referrals. The societies now appear to be competing with the AMA for members. The AMA, which focuses on lobbying, standards and professional issues, saw membership drop from 296,526 in 1993 to 296,361 in 1995.

Marketing, Physicians, Medical professions, Membership, Associations, American Medical Association

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Optometrists plead guilty to criminal price-fixing

Article Abstract:

The Lake Country Optometric Society, a now-defunct Texas trade association, agreed in Jan 1996 to plead guilty to federal price-fixing charges and to pay a $75,000 criminal fine. The case involved alleged collusion to raise fees, according to Alan A. Pason of the Justice Dept's Dallas office. The case marked only the second criminal, as opposed to civil, antitrust case brought by the Justice Dept against healthcare practitioners since 1946.

Health care industry, Price fixing

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Idaho optometrists fight back on laser surgery issue

Article Abstract:

The Idaho State Board of Optometry claims a lawsuit designed to prevent optometrists from using lasers in corrective surgery is frivolous. The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Idaho Medical Assn and Idaho Society of Ophthalmology are engaged in restraint of trade and involved in a publicity campaign. Optometrists in Idaho are still performing photorefractive keratectomy while the case is being decided.

Practice, Lasers in ophthalmology, Ophthalmic lasers, Radial keratotomy, American Academy of Ophthalmology

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